Minister Bowen has yet again played politics on fuel supplies, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said, as Labor released 20 per cent of the baseline Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO) for petrol and diesel.
“Minister Bowen told a press conference on Friday the MSO was their policy – it wasn’t. The Coalition legislated the MSO in Government and invested $260 million in increasing diesel storage by 40 per cent,” Dr Webster said.
“The Coalition-era diesel storage is why the release of fuel from the diesel MSO is possible – Labor have done nothing to improve our fuel storages. The Iran conflict began 13 days ago – is today’s release of stored fuel the earliest date action could have been taken?,” Dr Webster asked.
“The Liberal-Nationals Coalition’s sustained pressure on Labor since the Iran conflict began has brought Labor kicking and screaming to start addressing the plight of regional Australians.
“While Labor plays politics, Mallee residents are unable to get to medical appointments, unable to afford or even make the school run, the grocery run or participate in community life with extraordinary prices or no fuel in local bowsers.”
On Friday diesel prices in Mallee included 282.9 cents at Piangil, 269.9c in Goroke, Lakes Culluleraine and Charm, 268.9c at Woomelang, 265.9c at Beulah and Nyah, 264.9c at Wedderburn, 263.9c at Bridgewater-on-Loddon, 259.9c at Boort, Pyramid Hill and Halls Gap, and 256.9c in Murrayvil
le.
Analysis indicates it might take at least a week, if not several weeks, for Friday’s MSO relaxation to result in additional fuel deliveries to rural and remote areas.
