CANBERRA – The Australian Government has urged remote Indigenous communities to stop panic buying fuel – a message that landed somewhat awkwardly in towns where the single community bowser has been running on hope and a subsidy since well before Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed this week that Australia’s fuel supplies remain “secure until mid-April” which is deeply reassuring to people whose next delivery arrives by road train sometime between Thursday and the heat death of the universe.
Aboriginal corporations operating the only fuel outlets in their communities say they have been subsidising petrol for years to keep prices within reach of residents already living below the poverty line. The current crisis has added a thrilling new dimension to this arrangement.
“Most people living in remote communities are already living on the poverty line” said one Aboriginal corporation CEO. “There are no contingencies in place to make sure the community is strong and healthy when something like this happens.” He paused. “Or before something like this happens. Or really ever.”
The Government’s strategy of releasing strategic reserves and relaxing fuel quality standards for 60 days has been praised by urban motorists who can now access slightly dirtier petrol from one of 400 nearby service stations. For communities serviced by a single bowser connected to a 2000-kilometre supply chain the policy response has been less immediately useful.
Meanwhile the Nationals launched a website called nofuelhere.com.au where regional Australians can report empty bowsers. Remote Aboriginal communities were reportedly unsure how to access the website given the fuel crisis also impacts the generators powering their internet.
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