The cost of fuel in Arnhem Land is skyrocketing, with prices nearing $4 per litre and further increases expected due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. This is causing significant concern among residents, who are already struggling with the high costs of living in remote areas. Communities in Arnhem Land, such as Ramingining and Milingimbi, are paying $3.99 and $3.95 per litre for diesel, respectively, which is significantly higher than the seven-day average for the entire Northern Territory of $2.35 per litre. The situation is particularly dire for Indigenous communities, who rely heavily on diesel generators for electricity. Some residents are facing a difficult choice between buying fuel and other essential items like food. The East Arnhem Regional Council's chief executive, Dale Keehne, warns that the conflict in the Middle East could lead to further price hikes, and he advocates for federal subsidies to help keep prices down. The situation is not limited to diesel; aviation fuel, known as Avgas, is also becoming prohibitively expensive in remote communities like Maningrida, where Indigenous rangers are paying up to $5 per litre. The rising fuel prices are causing widespread frustration among motorists, who are feeling the impact of price gouging. The ABC Country Hour program received numerous texts from drivers expressing their dissatisfaction with the sudden increase in fuel prices, with some reporting a 15-20 cent per litre jump in diesel prices. Motorists are concerned about the impact on their budgets and the broader economy, with some suggesting that the fuel companies' actions are criminal and will contribute to inflation. The federal government is taking notice, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers writing to the ACCC to ensure that fuel retailers do not exploit the situation to rip off Australians.
