Industry information on fuel security in South Australia

Supply chain pressures as a result of conflict in the Middle East are impacting a broad range of industries across South Australia. These include agriculture, food production, construction, mining, manufacturing, tourism, transport and logistics.

The State Government is working closely with industry and peak bodies to:

  • understand the impacts
  • identify emerging risks early
  • support engagement with the Australian Government and industry stakeholders on emerging issues.

This engagement focuses on building a strong evidence base to support South Australia’s economy and to identify potential intervention and mitigation options where risks escalate.

South Australian Government coordination

Fuel Security Roundtable

The State Government has established a Fuel Security Roundtable. They meet weekly to evaluate fuel supply chain matters.

This brings together:

  • members of Cabinet
  • departmental chief executives
  • representatives of the fuel supply chain and the agricultural, freight and transport, tourism, mining, construction and manufacturing industries.

The Roundtable provides a forum for industry to share insights and identify emerging issues directly with the government.

Supply Chain Impacts Advisory Group

The Department of State Development is leading a whole-of-government approach through the Supply Chain Impacts Advisory Group to identify, monitor and report on industry supply chain impacts.

This group supports timely government responses and will inform program, policy and advocacy efforts. They will consider interventions to maintain fuel access, manage critical risks and support continuity.

Supply chain focus areas

These supply chain pressures are being closely monitored due to their potential to create broader economic impacts:

  • Fertiliser grade urea (nitrogen fertiliser) remains a high priority watchpoint, with direct implications for agricultural output, food security and production, particularly ahead of seasonal planting cycles.
  • Plastics and petrochemical supply chains, particularly for construction materials, packaging and manufacturing inputs that are highly fuel- and energy-dependent.

Support for industry

The Australian Government has support for businesses affected by fuel supply and related market disruptions:

  • interest-free loans to freight, fuel, fertiliser, plastics and other critical supply chain businesses – Economic Resilience Program
  • practical insights and tailored advice – Go Global Toolkit, delivered through Austrade’s Trade Resilience Service
  • temporary tax relief for businesses unable to meet their tax obligations because of fuel supply issues, where appropriate. For businesses affected by the high price of fuel this includes a tailored payment plan
  • Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge reduced to zero for 3 months. The next scheduled increase will also be deferred by 6 months.

You can find other grants, funding and support programs on the Australian Government’s grants and programs finder.

How industry can contribute

Businesses experiencing fuel-related supply chain impacts are encouraged to:

  • engage with their industry association or peak body
  • report emerging risks, constraints or shortages through established industry channels
  • contribute evidence to support coordinated industry advocacy and escalation where required.

The South Australian Government works with industry associations and peak bodies to:

  • consult on and validate impacts
  • consolidate evidence and industry intelligence
  • ensure concerns are consistently represented and escalated to inform national discussions and potential interventions pathways.

This coordinated approach supports efficient engagement, avoids duplication and strengthens the collective industry voice in shaping responses to fuel security and supply chain risks.

Contact

For additional industry support, supply chain impact reports, or escalation of sector specific risks, businesses can contact the Department of State Development dsd.supplychainimpacts@sa.gov.au.