As the conflict in the Middle East grinds on, even the most optimistic of grey nomads are being forced to consider what effect the growing fuel crisis will have on their trips … and what they should do next.
Hundreds of service stations around the country have already run out of fuel and, while the Federal Government says there is no immediate prospect of fuel rationing, it says it has undertaken ‘prudent contingency planning’.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen told Parliament on Tuesday that there were 164 petrol stations in NSW without diesel and 290 without at least one type of fuel; in Queensland, there were 55 with no diesel and 35 with no regular unleaded; in Victoria, there were 162 with one or more grades unavailable. The situation was said to be less severe in the other states and territories, but the situation is changing rapidly.
'Hooray, fuel is available ... uh,oh ... look how much it costs!' PIC: Cizza
And when fuel is available, there is the not so small matter of its cost. For travellers on tight budgets, the surging cost of filling up at the bowser is certainly making them rethink how and – in some cases ‘if’ – they travel.
Many grey nomads currently out in remote areas lived through the trauma of being ‘stranded’ by Covid restrictions six years or so ago… and they are understandably wary about how quickly the current situation could unravel.
Of course, the Covid crisis was notable for the very different approaches taken by the various jurisdictions across Australia. However, NSW Premier, Chirs Minns, says he doesn’t want to see that happen again.
“If demand management procedures are required, that might be rationing, that might be working from home, it might be other programs or remedies that we can introduce into the marketplace … it should be a nationally consistent approach,’’ he said. “We need a nationally consistent approach if and when the time comes when we need to introduce those demand management, a clear signal of what might be to come.”
In the meantime, grey nomads are being forced to make their own assessments about what the best approach for them is from here.
“At present it doesn’t look like we will be making our annual trip north to Townsville,” said one anxious correspondent to the Grey Nomads website. “The cost and uncertainty of diesel supplies is worrying to us.”
Most others were being equally cautious.
“We have been planning to travel from Newcastle to Cape York but with the price and availability of fuel we’re thinking of putting it off until next year,” said another correspondent.
Of course, grey nomads generally have the benefit of having more relaxed and flexible schedules than most … and that good fortune was not lost on many.
Mal M was planning a trip from Adelaide to Canberra and around NSW in April, but says that adventure is now off the table.
“Not travelling doesn’t really worry us too much though,” he said. “I think if you don’t need to travel or move then don’t … farmers and truckies need the fuel far more than us just wandering around our beautiful country, it will still be there when things hopefully get back to normal.”
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Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win a Cobb Grill Gas+, the ultimate portable barbecue option for those who live life on the road.
The just-released grill connects directly to LPG, adding extra versatility to the existing Cobb range which already includes charcoal and Butane gas options.
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Retailing for $479, the Cobb Grill Gas+ comes with a cooking plate, 1.5-metre hose & regulator, lifting fork, and a carry bag.
I have scrapped plans of returning to northern Victoria because of fuel.
I would have been volunteering in a BlazeAid camp helping with bushfire recovery, But I have to be back in Sydney for Easter, so can’t risk getting caught without fuel.