As the fuel crisis hits family hip pockets, one service station witnessed an act of kindness amidst the cost-of-living pressures caused by the Middle East conflict.
Free fuel was given away on the Gold Coast on Friday in a show of community support as prices skyrocket across the country.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Fuel crisis forces Easter tourism cancellations
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“To see the impact you can make on people as well, it’s nice,” organisers said.
Recipients were grateful, with one saying: “It’s such a beautiful thing that they’ve done. Every bit helps.”
But the fuel shortage is creating serious concerns. On Friday alone, 64 petrol stations ran out of diesel, whilst 36 have no regular unleaded fuel available.
Free fuel was given away on the Gold Coast. Credit: 7NEWS
The state government is pushing for a national dashboard to track fuel prices and supply on a daily basis.
“What we need is a national visibility on that,” Treasurer David Janetski said.
The fuel uncertainty has already forced Hudson Circus to cancel their move south from Brisbane to Coffs Harbour, a trip that would have cost $40,000.
“No diesel, no circus,” Hudson’s Circus Shane Lennon warned, with concerns the show may not go on.
“Our future depends on the fuel prices and the availability,” Lennon said.
Queensland tourism hit hard as fuel crisis forces Easter holiday cancellations Credit: 7NEWS
Queensland’s tourism is also reeling from widespread Easter holiday cancellations as the fuel crisis sends costs soaring and leaves travellers stranded without supply.
Lady Musgrave Experience, a Great Barrier Reef tour operator, has been hit particularly hard, with March shaping up as the worst month on record in their 10 to 11 years of operation.
The company’s running costs have jumped by $2000 per day due to fuel price increases, forcing them to add a $20 levy to bookings.
Queensland’s outback and Capricorn Coast have seen cancellations. Credit: 7NEWS
The impact on Queensland’s Easter school holidays remains uncertain, with different regions experiencing vastly different outcomes.
Whilst the outback and Capricorn Coast have seen cancellations, Sunshine Coast bookings are holding steady. The Gold Coast has fared slightly better, with bookings 2 per cent higher than last year, partly due to increased interstate visitors as overseas travel remains less attractive.
Tourism operators are encouraging Queenslanders who can’t afford to travel far to explore local options.
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