Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) welcomes the establishment of a Fuel Supply Taskforce announced by the Federal Government.

Australia’s fuel supply challenges are placing increasing pressure on regional businesses and reinforcing the need to prioritise regional connectivity, by road, rail and air, as essential economic infrastructure.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) Acting Chief Executive Officer Josh Edwards said fuel disruption had impacts far beyond the bowser, affecting freight movement, supply chains and business certainty across regional Queensland.

 

“Fuel underpins how our region stays connected,” Mr Edwards said.

 

“When fuel supply or distribution is disrupted, it directly affects road freight, rail logistics and access to ports, making it harder for regional businesses to plan and operate.”

TSBE members have reported ongoing fuel price increases, adding cost pressure across agriculture, energy, transport and regional services. Members are also experiencing frequent changes to shipping routes, with ships diverted between ports at short notice, creating uncertainty around delivery timing and onward road and rail movements.

“Uncertainty around which port goods will arrive at, and when, makes forward planning extremely difficult for regional operators,” Mr Edwards said.

Further concerns have been raised about fuel levies being reviewed more frequently, as well as reduced fuel allocations for some large users during critical planting and harvesting periods.

The situation highlights why connecting our region through reliable air, rail and road infrastructure, must remain a national priority.

IOR’s Chief Executive Officer, Drew Morland said regional customers are operating in an increasingly challenging environment, with market volatility, global uncertainty and supply chain pressures all converging.

 

“We know how critical fuel is to keeping regional businesses connected and operating,” Mr Morland said.

 

“Our focus is on responsibly managing supply and inventory to ensure fuel continues flowing to the industries and communities that rely on it.”

 

“Many regional businesses simply can’t stop and we take our role in supporting that connectivity very seriously.”

“Regional Australia powers the economy,” Mr Edwards said.

“Protecting fuel access and strengthening regional connectivity is essential to economic resilience, supply chain security and long‑term growth.

“TSBE will continue advocating for policies and investment that strengthen connectivity and support the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region.”

We want to hear from our members on how fuel security is affecting their business. Let us know your thoughts here.