The crackdown on fuel tanker safety has led to some service stations running out of petrol.
BP Australia confirmed at midday on Tuesday that eight stations were without at least one type of fuel, although it would not list the stations.
BP Australia spokesman Jamie Jardine said: “As trucks become available, we are delivering fuel. It is a moveable feast.”
He said some stations might be refuelled faster than others because of their proximity to the Yarraville storage terminal.
Mr Jardine said some stations were experiencing a more rapid depletion of petrol than normal, but it was unclear whether this was the result of panic buying or other stations being closed.
“Don’t panic buy, would be the advice,” he said. “Things will be a bit tight for the next two or three days, but the fuel is there.”
VicRoads was forced to inspect Cootes Transport’s fuel tanker fleet after one of its vehicles careered out of control in Mona Vale, in Sydney’s north, last week. The explosion killed two men and injured five others.
Of the 124 prime movers and trailers inspected by VicRoads, 110 were found to be defective. Of those, 86 were considered to have major defects and 24 minor defects.
VicRoads grounded 47 prime movers and trailers.
Premier Denis Napthine has echoed BP’s call for calm.
“The advice I’ve had is that there is no need for any panic buying, that there is appropriate arrangements put in place,” Dr Napthine told Fairfax Radio.
“There are certainly arrangements put in place overnight for fuel to be supplied to those stations that need it, and I believe that the best way is for people to go about their normal business.”
Petrol stations affected
- Shell on the corner of Melton Highway and Kings Road is closed.
- BP in Greensborough is out of most petrol, but BP in Watsonia has plenty.
- BP southbound East Link has no unleaded, but northbound has fuel.
- BP Pakenham Lakeside has no petrol.
- BP Doncaster Road has no petrol.
- BP Blackburn Road has no petrol.
- BP Ferntree Gully is out of petrol, with only gas available.
Source: Fairfax Radio
