Over recent weeks, Australian drivers have watched as petrol and diesel prices have soared, raising concerns about wider price shocks to come.

But at the same time as urban motorists see rising prices, something else often happens in rural Australia. Farmers begin filling their diesel tanks. This behaviour can look like hoarding, or even panic buying. But in many cases, it is simply practical farm management.

If we want to keep our food supplies secure, understanding what farmers need in diesel supplies now, and in coming months, will be crucial.

How farmers buy diesel – and why it matters now

On Friday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said it was:

concerned about petrol and diesel availability in some regional and rural locations, and has heard concerns from residents, businesses and primary producers about the potential impacts of this situation.

concerned about petrol and diesel availability in some regional and rural locations, and has heard concerns from residents, businesses and primary producers about the potential impacts of this situation.

Diesel shortages or higher prices can have a heavy impact on farmers, as I’ve seen up close.

I’m an academic expert in accounting and financial decision making. But I’ve also observed farm operations firsthand, through time spent on a family farm in regional New South........

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