warning that rising diesel costs and inadequate fuel reserves remain major threats to Australia’s supply chains.

Australia’s freight industry has reacted cautiously to the 2026 Federal Budget, with Loadshift arguing that key measures do not address the most immediate challenge facing transport operators: the cost and availability of diesel. Executive Chairman Matt Barrie said the government’s $11.9 billion fuel security package, including one billion litres of additional fuel storage, would increase national diesel reserves from around 26 days to approximately 50 days. While this represents an improvement, he noted that it remains well below the 90-day benchmark recommended by the International Energy Agency. Barrie also criticised the lack of certainty over the temporary fuel excise reduction, which is due to expire on June 30. Without an extension, diesel prices could rise by 26 cents per litre, adding significant costs for trucking businesses already operating on tight margins. According to Loadshift, more than 18,000 freight jobs have been posted on the platform in 2026, an 18.5 per cent increase compared with the previous year. Barrie said the growth reflects operators seeking additional backloads to offset escalating fuel expenses rather than improved profitability. The Budget’s $1 billion in interest-free loans for the logistics sector was also met with scepticism by many operators. Barrie said drivers were reluctant to take on additional debt and instead wanted long-term measures such as lower diesel taxes and stronger domestic refining capacity to improve Australia’s fuel resilience and support the road freight industry.