AUSTRALIANS are constantly being reassured that the country has an abundant supply of fuel. If that is the case, many of us are left wondering: what is the hold-up in getting that fuel to retail outlets?

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Motorists continue to face high prices and, at times, limited availability at service stations. For ordinary Australians who rely on their vehicles to get to work, take children to school, or run small businesses, this situation is both confusing and frustrating. If supply is plentiful, there should not be delays or shortages reaching the pumps.

It raises important questions about where the breakdown is occurring. Is the issue with distribution, transportation, storage capacity, or retail pricing practices? Without clear explanations, people are left to speculate while paying more every time they fill up their tanks.

The Australian Government needs to step in and demand an explanation, so that the public can understand how fuel moves from supply to service station.

If Australia truly has an abundant supply, then the system responsible for delivering it to consumers should be operating far more efficiently. Until this issue is clarified, many motorists will continue to question why the reality at the pump does not match the assurances being given.

Jacki Martin, Launceston

IT'S about time the premier, deputy premier and fuel companies woke up to the fact that people aren't "panic" buying their fuel in case of short supply, but more the case of buying it before it jumps up another 50-80 cents per litre.

No different than buying any other item at the supermarket while on special, we have all done that to save much less than a tank of fuel at $2 per litre compared to $2.59 or possibly dearer into the future.

Also, so much for the "expert's" statement on how a $10 increase in crude oil equates to 10 cents at the bowser. In the past two months, crude has increased less than $30 a barrel but fuel prices have risen over 80 cents per litre, whilst the margin between petrol and diesel prices has increased considerably considering they are both refined from the same raw product.

Our state's leaders can make all the noise they like, but until they actually act upon it, that's all it is: a noise and publicity stunt. Whilst those that believe in the ACCC will act, will also be eagerly waiting for the Easter Bunny to soon lay chocolate eggs.

Steve Green, Beauty Point

ON SATURDAY, November 8, 2025, I reported that Australia only had around 30 days of reserve fuel in car, diesel, and Avgas supplies.

It's come true due to the inaction by the Federal Labor Party and Anthony Albanese.

It beggars belief that the Minister for Energy Chris Bowen is telling Australians no need to panic and yet because of his ineptitude, which he was warned about and arrogantly dismissed by him, people including farmers, motorists, and aircraft are now going without fuel for agriculture, transportation, and getting to work. Despite all the warnings, Labor still didn't take action, clearly not interested in doing what's right for this country.

Worst government in Australian history bar none and there has been a few on the Labor side.

Steven Hancock, Norwood​

Covid response inquiry

THE Guardian has released an article stating, "A royal commission into New Zealand's Covid response has found it was one of the best in the world but acknowledged the period had left scars."

I am sick to death of these articles, inquiries and revisionist histories pandering to the selfish cooker minority who are still alive to complain because of Jacinda Ardern's leadership. Her approach saved tens of thousands of lives and has been vindicated as one of the world's best.

Most people, or at least the most vocal people, didn't care about preventing deaths in the pandemic, presuming they would only occur to other people or other families. I learned a lot about us, about society.

James Newton, Newstead

Small homes, big supply potential

I WELCOME the state government's announcement to increase the maximum size of granny flats from 60 square metres to 90 square metres.

It's a sensible reform that will make secondary dwellings far more practical for both owner-occupiers and investors.

Our Tasmanian rental market clearly lacks smaller homes suitable for singles and couples. Practical zoning changes that support well-designed secondary dwellings can help add much-needed housing without relying on large-scale developments.

Kyle Barret, Waverley

INFORM. Educate. That's what the general public deserve and expect.

I say to the three Tassie greyhound racing clubs, invite leading mainland veterinarians to front the media and explain why this sport is not "cruel and barbaric".

Too easy for minority groups from the outside looking in to make disparaging, misguided remarks like these about an industry they know nothing about.

Electrifying transport

HUGH McDonald (The Examiner, Letters to the Editor, March 8) questions why Tasmania isn't further down the road to electrifying our heavy transport such as buses and trucks and the simple answer is money.

The state government is broke and doesn't have the cash to pay for the electric buses, let alone the numerous fast charge stations etc needed, and it is busily selling off all the power it possibly can to the mainland so it can claim the dividends to try and bolster its flagging finances.

The fact that we export "green" power to Victoria who then uses it to market products produced with "green" power is bad enough, but to sell at discounted rates in comparison to what Tasmanians are charged is even worse.

Your dream of an electrified transport........

© The Examiner