Red meat shortage, price hikes coming if farmers can't secure more fuel

Thursday, 2 April 2026 10:28

A survey released by the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) found that 85 per cent of red meat producers only have enough fuel to keep operations going for one more week.

Fuel supplies are quickly drying up on farms and abattoirs around Australia, which could result in a nationwide red meat shortage.

A survey conducted by the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) has found that 85 per cent of red meat producers only have enough fuel to keep operations going for one more week.

Less that half of producers are confident that they could stretch their supplies to meet supermarket quotas for the remainder of the US-led war on Iran, which Donald Trump flagged could last for at least another three weeks.

April and May are peak periods for red meat producers, with demand ramping up during the Easter holidays and pre-winter season.

"This isn't a future problem – it's happening now," council independent chair John McKillop said.

"Producers are already facing difficult decisions, including the potential early slaughter of animals, where access to feed, water and transport cannot be guaranteed."

The RMAC has warned that the industry could soon be under "severe strain" if fuel supplies are not directed back to farming and regional communities.

"Up to 76 per cent of producers identified April and May as a peak period when reliable fuel access is absolutely critical," he said.

"Without it, they simply cannot operate."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Fuel costs are displayed on March 30, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. Prime minister Anthony Albanese announced Monday that the government would halve the fuel excise on petrol and diesel from April 1st through June 30th, reducing prices by 26.3 cents per litre, as part of emergency measures to ease a national fuel crisis driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Shoppers won't arrive to empty supermarket fridges, but the variety of meats could reduce and prices could rise over the next fortnight.

Australian farmers rely heavily on diesel to operate machinery and feed stock.

Rising freight costs may also contribute to the increased price of red meat at the checkout.

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) previously urged the federal government to devise a plan to keep fuel flowing to regional areas – and fast.

While the government announced a three-month reduction of the fuel excise, producers say this isn't enough.

"Halving the fuel excise will provide relief for consumers, but it does little directly for farmers and we hold concerns about the impact this policy may have on overall fuel demand," NFF President Hamish McIntyre said.

"Now we have the beginnings of a national framework, farmers and fishers need a clear, agriculture-specific plan so they can make informed decisions about planting, harvesting and keeping food moving across the country."

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