Perth Service Station Runs Dry Amid Fuel Panic Buying Frenzy
A service station in Quinns Rocks, Perth, was forced to turn customers away on Monday morning after running completely dry of unleaded fuel. The incident occurred following a surge in panic buying, with one customer purchasing approximately $500 worth of petrol in jerry cans, depleting the station's supplies.
Attendant Advocates for Fuel Limits to Prevent Shortages
Shop attendant Aslam Tamin reported that the Astron service station had sold over $200,000 worth of petrol in the past week, which is four times the average weekly sales. This spike was attributed to a sudden rush of panic buyers concerned about potential fuel price increases.
"I think some people are panicking whereas some people actually need the fuel," Mr Tamin said. "I asked him why, just out of curiosity, and he said that maybe the fuel prices would go up more." He emphasized the need for stricter fuel limits to ensure fair access for all customers.
Increased Deliveries Fail to Keep Up with Demand
Typically, fuel suppliers deliver to the station once a week on Wednesdays. However, due to the unprecedented demand, deliveries have been ramped up to every two or three days. Despite this, Mr Tamin anticipates another rush when the next delivery arrives, stating, "I think so, yeah."
The situation highlights broader concerns about fuel availability in Western Australia, with reports indicating only six petrol stations in the state offering fuel for under $2 per litre. This has exacerbated consumer anxiety, leading to hoarding behaviors that strain local supplies.
As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, the call for regulatory measures, such as purchase limits, grows louder among retailers and community members alike to prevent similar shortages in the future.
