- More than 70% of transport operators say they can only sustain their business for six months or less under current conditions
- Diesel now accounts for over 40% of total costs for more than two-thirds of operators
- NatRoad welcomes $1 billion in business support, including interest-free loans
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of $1 billion in support for Australian businesses, alongside additional fuel cost relief measures agreed by state and territory governments, describing the combined response as an important step in helping keep trucks on the road.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said the package, including interest-free loans for businesses impacted by rising fuel costs and further reductions in fuel excise, recognised the critical role of the road transport industry and the significant pressure operators are currently facing amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
“This is a welcome move and a sign that governments are recognising the strain rising fuel costs and global instability are placing on transport operators,” Mr Clark said. “Truck operators are essential to keeping supply chains moving, and targeted support like this will help ensure businesses can continue operating during a very challenging period.”
“Fuel is one of the largest input costs for our industry, so any reduction that flows directly through to operators makes a real difference on the ground,” he said. “NatRoad has consistently advocated for practical measures to ease fuel cost pressures, and it is positive to see governments working together to deliver relief.”
Mr Clark said many operators are currently managing significant short-term cashflow pressures, with elevated fuel prices and broader economic uncertainty impacting businesses across the country.
“Recent NatRoad member feedback shows more than 70 per cent of operators expect they can only sustain their business for six months or less if current conditions persist,” he said. “Diesel costs have surged dramatically, with more than two-thirds of operators now reporting fuel accounts for over 40 per cent of their total business costs.”
“These businesses are still dealing with high fuel bills and tight margins. Access to interest-free finance can provide immediate relief and help operators stay on the road,” he said.
NatRoad said the combined measures reflect the importance of supporting critical industries like road freight to ensure supply chains continue to function during a period of global disruption.
“In periods of sustained disruption, market conditions alone are not always enough to support essential industries,” Mr Clark said. “Measures like this provide important breathing space for operators while broader reforms and longer-term solutions are developed.”
NatRoad said the effectiveness of the measures will depend on how quickly and easily operators can access support. “It will be critical that the support is simple, well-targeted and delivers assistance quickly to the businesses that need it most,” Mr Clark said.
NatRoad will review the full details of the programs and continue working constructively with Government to ensure the support delivers meaningful outcomes for operators and the wider freight task.
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Varsha Kumar
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