$20 Million Ad Blitz Tells Drivers to Use Less Fuel Amid Ongoing Shortage

The Campaign

The federal government will spend $20 million on a nationwide advertising campaign telling Australians to cut back on fuel.

Titled “every little bit helps,” the campaign launches on Monday across television, radio, online channels, billboards and posters. The ads ask motorists to walk or catch public transport where possible and offer tips like driving smoothly and removing excess weight from vehicles.

Transport Minister Catherine King announced the campaign on ABC’s Insiders on Sunday.

King said there was “a lot of anxiety” among Australians and that “every little bit that you can do” can help.

What the Government Says

King warned there would be a “long tail” to the crisis, even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens.

The campaign follows a three-month fuel excise cut that halved the tax from 1 April. The government has flagged more household and business relief in the May budget.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday that national diesel reserves had improved to 31 days, up two days, but acknowledged “risks and uncertainties” remain.

What It Means for Logan

For many Logan residents, the advice to drive less and catch public transport does not match the reality of living in a car-dependent city.

No service station in the City of Logan or Brisbane is selling diesel below $3 a litre, according to Queensland Government fuel price data on PetrolSpy.

This is unwelcome news to residents already battling the cost of living crisis, for many residents it now feels impossible to even afford a full tank of fuel.