A fuel crisis leaves 184 stations without fuel in Australia’s top three states due to surge in demand and Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

A fuel crisis has left at least 184 service stations across Australia’s three most populous states without petrol or diesel as of March 24, 2026, with shortages rising in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Demand surged by up to 400% in some areas, and the federal government has formed a fuel supply task force led by former energy regulator Anthea Harris to coordinate responses. Minister Amanda Rishworth cited ongoing disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz—critical for about one-fifth of global oil—as a key factor behind the supply challenges.