Transport companies are seeking emergency financial payments and a cut to the heavy vehicle road user charge as part of a nationwide response to fuel shortages caused by the Iran war.
Australia’s consumer watchdog on Friday reported average diesel prices in the five largest cities hit 303.5 cents per litre, rising 27.8 cents in a week.
Unleaded petrol prices hit 252.2 cents per litre.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised a national response to the fuel crisis, with supply-related measures expected to be announced on Saturday.
The National Road Transport Association has called for three “urgent” actions – emergency financial support payments for affected transport businesses, a six-month moratorium on heavy vehicle equipment loan repayments and a suspension of the road user charge.
“A consistent, nationwide approach is critical to ensure operators aren’t facing a patchwork of measures and can access the same level of support regardless of where they operate,” chief executive Warren Clark said.
“These are practical, short-term measures that would deliver immediate cashflow relief and help keep trucks on the road.”
The coalition has called for a reduction in the fuel excise to provide relief to motorists.
But Mr Clark said the reduction alone would not be enough to address the scale of the current crisis.
“The government’s response has fallen well short of what industry urgently needs,” he said.
“Operators are crying out for help, yet the government continues to be largely absent at a time when decisive intervention is critical.”
Mr Albanese will meet state and territory leaders on Monday to co-ordinate a national cabinet response.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said halving the 52.6c a litre excise, as well as the heavy vehicle road user charge, would provide immediate relief for households.
The government said new cargoes had replaced six fuel shipments to Australia that had been cancelled or deferred.
Labor has repeatedly insisted Australia has enough fuel and any shortages are being driven by panic-buying.
The US-led war on Iran has disrupted one of the world’s most important oil corridors, sending global oil prices skyrocketing.
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