March 11, 2026
AgForce has expressed concerns about the impact the Middle East conflict is having on global fuel and fertiliser supplies, with disruptions already affecting farmers.
While fuel imports into Australia were continuing at this stage, panic buying was placing pressure on local supplies, with some fuel stations already running dry.
Independent suppliers were facing tighter supplies, and in some cases regional fuel stations had either run out of fuel or introduced restrictions, while some distributors were cancelling farmers’ orders.
AgForce grains president Brendan Taylor said producers were facing the fuel challenges at a critical time in the farming calendar.
“With farmers across the State either harvesting summer crops or preparing for winter planting, we’re in a period of high demand for fuel and fertiliser,” Mr Taylor said.
“Fertiliser is a vital part of putting food on the table for everyday Australians. Without it, crops either aren’t planted or yields are significantly reduced, which ultimately means less food reaching supermarket shelves.”
AgForce general president Shane McCarthy said the situation highlighted how quickly Australia’s fuel supplies could come under pressure.
“It is stunning how fast fuel security has become an issue, especially in regions where the food and fibre for the nation is grown,” he said.
“If the tractors and the trucks stop running, the shelves at the supermarket will be empty. There will also be animal welfare concerns, as trucks carrying livestock won’t be able to get to their destination without fuel.”
Mr McCarthy said the agriculture industry had long raised concerns about Australia’s reliance on imported agricultural inputs.
“Farmers and representative organisations like AgForce have been warning for some time that Australia’s reliance on imported fuel and fertiliser leaves us vulnerable,” he said.
“If we run short of fuel or fertiliser, it has serious implications not just for farmers but for Australia’s food supply.
“This situation highlights the importance of strengthening Australia’s fuel reserves and reconsidering domestic manufacturing capacity to support our long-term food security.”
Mr McCarthy said AgForce had been raising farmers’ concerns with the National Farmers’ Federation and government representatives to ensure agriculture has reliable access to diesel and other critical inputs.
He encouraged any farmers facing fuel and fertiliser shortages to contact AgForce so it could work with authorities and the NFF to address issues as they arise.
