Sue Horan says moving produce is going to he a huge headache for farmers over the coming weeks. Photo: Supplied.
Riverina irrigators are concerned skyrocketing fuel prices – caused by the Middle East conflict – could obliterate meagre profits after what’s already been a lean season.
Nathan Crowley, a Bilbul rice farmer, said it was bad timing with harvest due to start in two weeks.
“The margins are already very tight. Water prices are rising, so higher fuel costs are the last thing we need,” he said.
“On the Friday when America struck Iran, I rang up straight away to order diesel, so I was able to get it when it was still $1.84 a litre.
“But we will still end up paying a much higher price in a couple of weeks.”
Specialised rice harvesters can consume up to 70 litres of diesel per hour. But Mr Crowley said he was even more concerned about the rising cost of fertiliser.
“We are not using it yet, but we will need it for our winter crop. There’s a shortage of global fertiliser and prices have just started going up; we haven’t felt it yet but we will soon,” he said.
“At times like these you wonder why you want to be a farmer – life would be easier if I had a nine-to-five job.”
Nathan Crowley loves growing rice because it’s a food staple, but notes there are more challenges every day. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Ardlethan truck driver Sue Horan said the rise in price over such a short period had been stark.
“It can now cost up to $1000 to fill up a three-tank truck, whereas it would’ve cost $600 last week. You usually pay $1.70 a litre, but it’s now over $3,” she said.
“When I fill up, I’m just glad I’m not having to pay for it out of my own pocket.
“Everyone is going to feel the pinch unless something changes dramatically.
“I have been told that some suppliers may prioritise farmers and truckies who need the fuel – that’s important as the crops won’t go anywhere unless they’re moved on trucks.”
Just before he quit as National Party leader, David Littleproud told media that major oil companies were partly responsible for the rising prices and urged the Federal Government to act.
“There’s supply sitting there, but the big oil companies won’t release it to the independents and to the small wholesalers to send it out because they’re trying to protect the retail market,” he said.
Mr Littleproud said he’d written to Energy Minister Chris Bowen.
“He actually needs to act, and act quickly. So too does the Treasurer. The ACCC [regulator] has put the pressure on the retail outlets. It’s now important that the ACCC looks into the wholesale market and makes sure that these supplies continue to flow, because at the moment they’re getting nothing.
“And it will only take a matter of weeks before things start to shut down. So it’s important the government has a mechanism here to unlock that supply that’s sitting there. We have supplies, I’m told they’re sitting there, but they just simply will not be released to the independents, and that is going to be big trouble for this country if we don’t have food security.”
