Published | 11 March 2026
RACT has strongly advised motorists against panic-buying and stockpiling fuel.
RACT General Manager Advocacy and Government Relations, Mel Percival, said that there is no need to panic buy or stockpile fuel.
“We fully appreciate that rising petrol prices are causing anxiety and adding to household cost of living pressures, however we are concerned by reports of people stockpiling fuel. Tasmania has adequate supplies of fuel at this time,” Ms Percival said.
“First and foremost, stockpiling fuel is a safety issue; fuel is a hazardous and highly combustible material and is dangerous to store in large quantities in a home garage.
“Panic buying can make the problem worse because fuel stations place orders based on what they expect to sell. Unexpected spikes in sales due to panic buying can leave the fuel station short, which impacts other motorists. This can result in the fuel stations needing to order a special delivery to make up the shortfall, which is often more expensive, further driving up prices.
“Fuel also has a limited shelf life of around three months, so stockpiling is not an effective solution to current price increases.”
Ms Percival said RACT was aware of reports of price gouging and opportunistic behaviour by petrol retailers in NSW and QLD last week.
“We welcome the Federal Government’s direction to the ACCC to be ultra vigilant in its monitoring and identification of price gouging behaviour.
“We are keeping a very close eye on the Tasmanian market and over the long weekend we did see a jump Tasmanian prices.
“However, this and the earlier price increases in Tasmania have been broadly consistent with the increase in the Tasmanian wholesale or ‘terminal gate price’ and the broader global market.
“To date Tasmania’s fuel prices have remained lower than the average prices seen in other Eastern Seaboard states.”
The RACT reminded people to be courteous towards staff and other motorists when filling up
“Petrol station attendants do not set petrol prices and verbal abuse and intimidation are not acceptable in any situation,” Ms Percival said.
RACT tips to reduce petrol price pain and improve fuel economy:
Shop around using the RACT Fuel Saver app to find the best price in your area.
Drive smoothly and consistently – avoid rapid acceleration or braking
Keep up with regular vehicle maintenance
Make sure your tyre pressures are correct
Remove excess weight and roof racks to minimise drag