Panic buying amid an escalation in Middle East conflicts is causing significant challenges to petrol supply chains in Australia, as demand has skyrocketed in some regions.
Panic buying in Australia has escalated fuel demand to unprecedented levels, particularly in regional areas like the Barossa and Mildura, where fuel sales have surged by 238% and 100%, respectively. This sudden spike in demand has left many service stations struggling to restock their supplies, leading to fears of shortages. Experts warn that this behavior creates a 'vicious cycle' where hoarding leads to greater scarcity, prompting more panic among motorists.