The world is an ever-changing place and nothing is assured. Especially as we move towards an environment that is becoming more and more unpredictable it is essential that we plan ahead in case of crisis or at least that is what the NRMA is advocating when it comes to the supply of liquid fuel. The NRMA is advocating that the government develop a “Fuel Security Plan” in the event that fuel supplies are reduced or terminated for any period of time. It says that if supplies were cut due to war, economic crisis or natural disasters the Australians living in rural areas would be hardest hit. The http://www.fullyloaded.com.au/website has more on the subject:

Regions will bear the brunt in the event of a fuel supply crisis, according to the NRMA, which wants government to develop a fuel security plan. The Australia’s Liquid Fuel Security report, released by the NRMA, says the Federal Government needs to have in place an effective strategy to deal with disruptions to supply from events such as war, economic turmoil or natural disasters. NRMA Motoring and Services Director Graham Blight says fuel available to the public could run out within three days if Australia’s liquid fuel supply was cut. “Any farming that uses diesel or petrol to run machinery, or trucks to transport produce around the country, would come to a halt very quickly,” he says. “Regional towns would become isolated very quickly as it would be difficult to move goods in and out.” The report also claims dry goods could run out within nine days if Australia’s oil supply is cut, while chilled and frozen goods could run out within one week. It goes on to suggest retail pharmacy supplies could run out within seven days, and hospital pharmacy supplies within three days. The NRMA last week brought together groups such as the National Farmers Federation, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, academics and the Australian Automobile Association to discuss the impact of a disruption to Australia’s fuel supply. Source: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/articleid/82937.aspx

Australia is a big country and there are significant groups of people that live in areas that are located in isolation away from heavily populated areas. These Australian residents rely heavily of the road freight industry to deliver needed goods and supplies on a regular basis so that they can live. If ever there was a time that the trucks were not able to access these areas then they could experience a significant crisis.