Hundreds of service stations around Australia are out of petrol leading into the Easter long weekend, but a reduction in fuel prices will give some hope to anxious travellers.
Of the more than 8,000 service stations around the country, 653 – or eight per cent – are missing one or more grades of fuel.
Motorists will get an additional 5.7cents a litre off their fuel until June 30 as part of a deal between federal and state governments to forgo some GST revenue, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday.
The move follows a cut to the fuel excise, reducing wholesale petrol and diesel costs by around 26 cents a litre.
While the price drops may provide some relief, the tourism sector remains under pressure, with motorists anxious about the cost and availability of fuel in some destinations.
Caravan parks more than a few hours away from the city were suffering the most from a decline in bookings, Caravan Industry Association general manager of research and insights Peter Clay told AAP.
“(Travellers are asking) is there fuel available? Is there diesel available where I’m going?” he said.
The cancellation rate for Easter normally sits at about 30 per cent, he said, and that had ticked up this year because of the fuel crisis.
Hotels have also taken a hit as Australians and foreigners cut back on travel, facing a decline in bookings of up to 10 per cent across the east coast capital cities compared to the same time in 2025, Accommodation Australia boss James Goodwin said.
“If you can afford it, if you are in a position to be able to travel, then don’t put off that travel,” he told AAP.
“Just make sure that you’re looking around, that you’re going to a place where you know that you can get the fuel, or make sure you fill up before you leave.”
The daily average price of unleaded in recent weeks from March 23 to April 2.
Drivers refuel trucks with diesel fuel at an Ampol service station in Port Botany.
