Global conflict and potential fuel impacts: what residents need to know
Published on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 at 1:32:01 PM
While the situation is occurring overseas, global fuel markets are highly interconnected. Disruption to major international shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, can have flow on effects for Australia and for regional communities such as ours. At this stage, there are no disruptions to Shire services, however the Shire is taking a precautionary and well-coordinated approach to monitoring the situation.
Why this matters for Victoria Plains
Australia relies heavily on imported refined fuel products that pass through international supply chains connected to the Persian Gulf. While Australia does not import large volumes of crude oil directly from the Middle East, many refined fuels used in Western Australia are processed in countries such as Singapore, South Korea and Japan, which rely on Gulf sourced oil.
If global supply chains are disrupted for a sustained period, regional areas are typically impacted earlier than metropolitan centres due to distance, transport costs and reliance on road and rail freight.
For the Shire of Victoria Plains, this means potential pressure on:
- Fuel availability and pricing at regional service stations
- Freight costs along Great Northern Highway, Toodyay Road and Bindoon Moora Road
- Agricultural operations that rely on diesel and fertiliser deliveries
- Rail freight movements supporting grain transport and export pathways
Potential impacts over time
If disruptions were to occur, impacts may be experienced progressively.
In the short term, this could include rising fuel prices and tighter availability at smaller regional service stations. Freight operators may also face higher operating costs, which can flow through to businesses and commuters.
Over a longer period, sustained pressure on fuel and fertiliser supply could affect agricultural input costs, freight reliability, rail services and some Shire works programs. Tourism and discretionary travel may also soften due to higher travel costs.
It is important to note that these are planning scenarios, not predictions, and are being used to ensure the Shire is prepared to respond if required.
How the Shire is responding
The Shire of Victoria Plains is working closely with neighbouring local governments through the Avon Midland Peri-Urban Partnership (AMP-UP) partnership to monitor developments and share information. This coordinated approach supports consistent public messaging, continuity planning and regional resilience.
Key actions include:
- Monitoring fuel availability and impacts on contractors and suppliers
- Ensuring essential services such as waste collection, ranger services and emergency response can continue without interruption
- Reviewing operational priorities if conditions change
- Coordinating with State agencies and regional partners as required
At this time, all Shire services continue to operate as normal.
What residents should do
Residents are encouraged to:
- Stay informed through official Shire communications
- Avoid panic buying or unnecessary fuel stockpiling
- Continue normal day to day activities
Taking a calm and measured approach helps ensure fuel and services remain available for those who need them most.
Ongoing monitoring and updates
The Shire will continue to actively monitor the situation and assess any emerging impacts on local services, agriculture and the broader community. Updates will be provided through the Shire website and official channels if there are any changes residents need to be aware of.