finance
Australians cancel Easter road trips as fuel crisis drives prices higher
Soaring fuel prices and local shortages after disruptions to Middle East shipping have led many Australians to cancel their four-day weekend travel, prompting a government fuel tax cut.
Apr 3rd 2026 · Australia
Insights
- Millions who normally travel over the long weekend have scrapped plans because petrol and diesel costs have risen sharply
- Australia imports about 90% of its fuel and has seen localised shortages after disruptions to Middle East shipping
- Diesel exceeded A$3 per litre and petrol topped A$2.50 before the government cut fuel taxes to ease prices
- Expected Easter travel spending of A$11.1 billion was at risk as many journeys were cancelled
- Travel cancellations and price pain are linked to the Iran war and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
Sources
- These farmers wouldn’t miss Sydney’s Easter show. But there are worries about getting home www.smh.com.au
- Australians cancel Easter travel as worries mount over fuel crisis www.straitstimes.com
- Australians cancel four-day weekend travel as worries mount over fuel crisis www.independent.co.uk
- Australian drivers urged to refuel in cities as Mid-East war deepens fuel crunch www.straitstimes.com