Fuel prices across Lismore and the Northern Rivers have surged sharply in recent days, with motorists now paying more than $2 a litre for petrol and up to $2.59 for diesel. This is a dramatic increase compared with prices seen only weeks ago.

Current fuel boards across Lismore show Unleaded 91 mostly ranging between $2.09 and $2.19 per litre, while E10 is sitting around $2.00 to $2.07 per litre depending on the service station.

Diesel has seen some of the biggest increases, currently ranging from about $2.29 to $2.59 per litre across the region.

Just two weeks ago, on 28 February, prices were far lower. E10 was 163.9 cents per litre at several Lismore outlets including Shell Reddy Express on Dawson Street and EG Ampol near Lismore Square. Unleaded 91 was 164.9 cents at Astron on Ballina Road, while diesel was 183.9 cents at multiple stations across Lismore.

That means motorists are now paying around 30 to 40 cents more per litre for petrol, and in some cases between 50 and 75 cents more per litre for diesel in less than a fortnight. For many drivers, the real impact becomes clearer when looking at the cost of filling the tank.

A typical 50-litre tank filled with petrol that has increased 35 cents per litre now costs about $17.50 more every time you fill up. For diesel drivers, the hit can be even greater. A 60-cent increase per litre means a 50-litre tank costs about $30 more than it did just weeks ago.

For larger utes or work vehicles with 80-litre tanks, the increase can mean an extra $28 to $48 every fill, depending on the fuel and station.

The rapid rise has left many motorists surprised at the bowser, and some independent operators are now warning supply itself may become uncertain.

Casino Roadhouse told customers this week it could not guarantee when new deliveries would arrive.

“Unfortunately we have no guarantee that we will receive any fuel supply this week or possibly longer,” the business wrote in a social media update. “Because of this we are unable to supply fuel until further notice.”

West of the range in Bonalbo, Bonalbo Petrol & Coffee has introduced limits to stretch its supply, placing a 25-litre cap per vehicle.

“Due to current fuel supply pressures and rising global oil prices, we have temporarily introduced a 25L limit per vehicle to help ensure everyone in our community can access fuel,” the business said. “Our goal is to keep fuel available for as long as possible.”

The price spike comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with the Federal Government confirming the conflict is beginning to influence global energy markets.

Speaking in Canberra this morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the situation in the region was continuing to escalate, while Energy Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged Australians were increasingly concerned about fuel prices.

“Australians are right to be wanting the latest information,” Mr Bowen said. He said Australia’s overall fuel supply remains stable, despite growing demand.

“Our diesel and petrol supplies remain at this point secure. We have as much diesel in Australia today as we had before this crisis began,” he said.

However, he acknowledged demand has surged, particularly in regional areas.

“We are seeing a big increase in demand, particularly for diesel,” he said. “I do have a great deal of concern and empathy for those farmers in particular who, because of the situation with the supply chain in regional Australia, are having difficulty getting diesel.”

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said he had been hearing directly from businesses and distributors concerned about supply pressures in regional areas.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Hogan said some wholesalers and retailers were struggling to access their usual fuel deliveries, raising concerns for industries that rely heavily on diesel.

“We’re talking about people who are feeding our country. We’re talking about trucking companies who need to transport food to our supermarkets,” he said.

Mr Hogan said farmers, freight operators and rural communities were particularly vulnerable if supply disruptions continued.

Farm machinery, trucks transporting livestock and produce, and equipment used across dairy, beef, macadamia and horticulture operations all rely heavily on diesel.

When fuel costs rise, the cost of transporting goods from farms to processors, warehouses and supermarkets increases as well. Those costs can then ripple through the supply chain, gradually lifting the price of groceries and other goods. Changes in fuel costs can quickly be felt across farms, transport operators and small businesses.

For now, local service stations are doing what they can to maintain supply, but with global tensions continuing and prices climbing rapidly, motorists across Lismore and the wider region will be watching the numbers on the bowser closely in the weeks ahead.