An independent fuel distributor has issued a stark warning that country towns across Australia could run out of petrol within days, blaming major oil companies for a distribution crisis rather than a supply issue. Gretta Barton, owner of Bartranz Petroleum, which specialises in bulk fuel distribution across Queensland and New South Wales, told Daily Mail that the situation is escalating rapidly.
Distribution Crisis, Not Supply Shortage
Ms Barton emphasised that the crisis stems from distribution problems, not a lack of fuel. Major oil companies, including Ampol, Shell, BP, and Viva, have reportedly stopped supplying petrol to non-contract fuel distributors. Many of these independents serve agricultural communities, leaving them vulnerable.
"If this continues another week, a lot of people will be in a lot of trouble," Ms Barton said. Already, numerous independent petrol stations in regional Australia are out of fuel, despite government assurances that there is no overall shortage. Panic-buying has exacerbated the issue, with regional retailers running out of E10 and unleaded petrol.
Major Oil Companies Accused of Profiteering
Ms Barton dismissed the conflict in Iran as a primary cause, noting that price spikes from Middle East tensions are routine. Instead, she pointed to the actions of major oil companies. Bartranz Petroleum, which typically delivers a million litres weekly to regional areas, has seen its supply cut overnight to 50,000 litres a day—just one truckload.
"It's become apparent that the four major oil companies have the fuel supply but are keeping it for their inner-city retail sites and their contractors," she explained. "Rather than dispersing it evenly to cover all industries, they're keeping it all for themselves and making an absolute killing while we, who do 90 percent of the rural sector, are in a world of pain."
Political and Industry Response
The situation has prompted political action, with MP James Lister writing to the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP) CEO Dr Malcolm Roberts on March 10. He described the conduct of Ampol, Shell, BP, and Viva as "shameful," criticising their decision to cease supplying fuel to non-contract distributors.
"Panic buying in the metropolitan retail fuel market has resulted in an extraordinary increase in your member companies' profits," Lister wrote. "Your member companies' decision to abruptly cease supplying fuel to the bush and divert that supply into service station networks is plainly not in the nature of routine hedging or risk management."
Broader Implications and Warnings
Ms Barton expressed frustration with narratives blaming US President Donald Trump, stating, "This is not a Donald Trump issue. This has exposed Australia's vulnerability as far as refined product goes. Even without major oil companies profiteering, there's clearly not enough fuel stored in our country that can be easily accessed."
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has claimed Australia's fuel supply is secure, but Ms Barton argued he is being "clever" with his words. "So we might have enough fuel here, but it's not being distributed properly. That's the problem," she said.
The crisis extends beyond petrol, with Ms Barton noting her company cannot access enough diesel to run operations and supply farmers. She warned that city residents will soon feel the impact through higher supermarket prices.
"All prices will have to go up. Trucking companies work on small margins, and if their fuel all of a sudden costs $2.50 a litre, they have to pass on those costs," she said. "It's a time of year when farmers are using a lot of fuel, and there's crops ready to harvest and go in the ground. There are also piggeries that rely on generator fuel. If the generators don't run, all the animals die. That's how critical things are."
Daily Mail has contacted Dr Roberts, Shell, Ampol, BP, and Viva for comment, but responses are pending as the situation develops.
