Fuel prices across Tasmania are expected to continue rising this week, with diesel already reaching more than $3 per litre at service stations across the state.
The state’s most expensive diesel is currently $3.30 at Astron West Ulverstone, while the cheapest can be found at Lowes BP Smithton for $1.89.
Unleaded petrol ranges from $2.91 at King Island Motors to $1.88 at Astron Triabunna.
Tas Petroleum general manager Nathan Thurlow said it looks like both diesel and petrol will continue getting more expensive at the service station counter.
“It’s still looking to trend up,” Thurlow told Pulse.
“This week … I think you’ll see increases every day.”
He said his company, one of Tasmania’s largest independent fuel distributors, expected a six-cent rise today in the cost of fuel it purchases – with those costs having to be passed on daily.
The company had tried to hold prices steady over the weekend “to try and do the right thing by the public” but was forced to follow market movements.
“We were sitting way down from everyone else,” he said.
Independent MLC for Huon Dean Harriss has called for the federal government to immediately halve fuel excise to provide relief for struggling families in Tasmania.
Harriss said the move would cut fuel prices by more than 26 cents per litre, providing crucial relief.
“Cost of living is the number one issue in the community today,” Harriss said.
“When the price of fuel jumps by 35-50% a litre in a matter of weeks, families feel it instantly.”
“For regional communities like those across the Huon and the Channel, fuel isn’t optional – it’s essential.”
“The federal government must halve the fuel excise now.”
The state’s energy planning director, Sean Terry recently said Tasmania was not facing an immediate fuel shortage.
The state’s five fuel terminals hold about 63 megalitres of petrol – equivalent to roughly 57 days’ supply under normal consumption – although some panic buying had been observed.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff used last week’s emergency national cabinet meeting to push for stronger protections for Tasmania’s fuel supply, warning the state’s island status leaves it particularly exposed to the escalating crisis.
“Tasmania is an island off an island, so we must ensure our long-term fuel supply and regional distribution is secure,” Rockliff said.
Rockliff said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to chair the meeting from Hobart gave Tasmania a direct opportunity to press its case.
He said there was “strong consensus” for the federal government to lead national coordination, particularly to support regional areas and key industries.
