Calls are growing for South Australian farmers to be guaranteed access to fuel, amid concerns supply uncertainty could affect production decisions and flow through to household food prices.
The South Australian Liberals are calling on both the State and Federal Governments to put a formal framework in place that ensures farmers can access the fuel they need, particularly diesel, as pressure on supply continues.
State Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn said producers across South Australia were increasingly worried about whether fuel would be available at the very time they need to make major decisions about planting and production.
“There are many factors farmers can’t control on the land, but fuel supply shouldn’t be one of them,” Mrs Hurn said.
She said the lack of certainty was creating serious pressure for farmers already facing enough unknowns.
“Without guaranteed fuel supply, it is incredibly difficult for farmers to commit to the upfront costs of planting and production each season,” she said.
The concern is not just about what happens on farms, but what may happen next if growers pull back on planting or reduce production due to rising uncertainty.
“If this continues, the consequences won’t stop at the farm gate – they will flow through to food prices and impact every South Australian household,” Mrs Hurn said.
The Opposition wants governments to establish a clear plan that would guarantee access to fuel for agriculture, including defined points where intervention would be triggered if supplies tighten further.
“We need a clear plan that guarantees fuel access for farmers, including trigger points for government action if supplies tighten.”
Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia Nicola Centofanti said the issue comes at a particularly sensitive time, with many producers now entering one of the most important periods of the year.
“We are entering a critical window for seeding and cropping, with decisions made now shaping production for the next six to 12 months,” Dr Centofanti said.
She said the current response from National Cabinet did not go far enough to reassure the agricultural sector if conditions deteriorate.
“Yesterday’s National Cabinet response falls short as there is still no clear plan to prioritise fuel for agriculture if conditions worsen.”
Centofanti also pointed to growing concern around fertiliser, saying farmers need confidence not only that supply chains will hold, but that costs will remain manageable enough to keep operations viable.
“Farmers also need certainty on fertiliser supply, including practical steps to secure supply chains and support affordability,” she said.
“We’ve seen fertiliser prices skyrocket in recent weeks, forcing farmers to decide whether it is worth planting crops.”
The Liberals say the issue goes beyond political point-scoring, warning that the decisions being made in paddocks now could shape South Australia’s food production for months to come.
“This issue is above politics and we stand ready to work with the state and federal governments, but we need immediate, targeted action to keep farmers producing.”
