Food prices will go up if fuel crisis continues

Manjimup-Bridgetown Times 17 February 2026

Summary
A Pemberton farmer has warned food prices could rise if fuel supply constraints continue, as global oil price increases linked to Middle East conflict begin affecting regional WA. Early signs of diesel shortages and fertiliser supply disruptions are already being reported across the South West and broader agricultural sector.

Key Points

• Pemberton farmer Stephen Bendotti said fuel purchase limits had recently been imposed by suppliers.

• Bendotti warned that if fuel becomes unavailable, food production and transport could stop, leaving supermarket shelves empty.

• Farmers are facing rapid fuel price increases, with diesel rising from $1.82/L to about $2.11/L within days.

• Contractor Thomas Mutter said diesel is one of the biggest costs for small businesses and continued increases will likely be passed on to customers.

• Bridgetown BP temporarily ran out of diesel while waiting for a new delivery.

• Reports from across WA suggest fertiliser supply disruptions, with some farmers expecting to receive only 70% of orders placed months ago.

• Fuel delivery backlogs reported elsewhere include 600,000L waiting at Moora BP and over 1 million litres at Carnamah.

• Premier Roger Cook said Australia has secure fuel supplies and criticised petrol companies for increasing prices.