Australians' Strategies to Cope with Fuel Crisis

Topic: Petrol Prices

Australians are using different methods to deal with high fuel prices.

The Iran-United States-Israel conflict has led to rising fuel costs in Australia.

People are changing their habits to reduce the impact of high fuel prices on their finances.

Here's what Australians are saying about the fuel crisis.

Melbourne, Vic

Melanee Jordan is a primary school office manager from Melbourne's northern suburbs.

She didn't take her car to Tasmania due to high petrol costs and a fuel surcharge.

It was too expensive, Ms Jordan said.

Ms Jordan says high petrol prices are stopping her from driving on weekends.

She also didn't rent a car in Tasmania and used public transport instead.

High petrol prices are making her stay at home more.

She used to drive on weekends, but now she doesn't.

If fuel prices don't improve, Ms Jordan will spend less on entertainment.

Brisbane, Qld

Dean Brown, a postal worker, spends $150 a week on fuel for his car and motorbike.

I have to buy less, he said.

He buys less food because of the high fuel prices.

Mr Brown tries to wait for lower prices before filling up.

He ends up spending more money anyway.

See the current petrol and diesel prices near you.

Mr Brown uses public transport more, but it's hard due to track closures.

If prices stay high, he might have to sell his car.

High fuel prices, insurance, and registration are a big problem.

Griffith, NSW

Cotton grower Sam Ryan says the fuel crisis is a challenge.

The fuel prices are a concern, especially with the picking season coming.

The machines use over a thousand litres of diesel a day.

Mr Ryan is worried about fertiliser availability for next season.

He's concerned about the price and availability of fertiliser.

Rising input costs and low returns are pressuring farmers.

Karratha, WA

Grandmother Tammy Brown can't see her family due to high fuel costs.

Her daughter can't afford the 16-hour drive to visit.

The fuel cost would be around $900 each way.

Ms Brown feels devastated about not seeing her grandkids.

Her parents, who are pensioners, also can't visit due to fuel costs.

The uncertainty of when she'll see her family is taking a toll.

FaceTime is not the same as in-person contact.

Hobart, Tas

Stratton Meyer changed his commute to save fuel.

He drives halfway and walks the rest.

This adds 30 minutes to his commute, but saves fuel.

If things get worse, he might have to give up his car.

He hopes he won't have to cycle an hour to work.

Wauchope, NSW

Nursery owner Chris Sturt says people are growing their own food.

Demand for vegetable seedlings has increased due to cost-of-living pressures.

People are becoming self-sufficient to save money.

Wyalkatchem, WA

Farmer Owen Garner is struggling with high fuel and fertiliser costs.

He's changing his crops to ones that use less fertiliser.

He's prioritizing his canola crop, which uses a lot of nitrogen.

The mood among farmers is flat due to the challenges.

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