Fuel, Fertiliser, and Freight: Understanding the Current Crisis

Amid ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, supply chains for fuel, fertiliser, and freight are experiencing significant disruptions. Coupled with the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, the situation is further complicated by Australia’s declining refining and manufacturing capacity, critically low emergency fuel reserves, and recent fire damage to one of only two operational refineries in the country.

These challenges suggest an unprecedented crisis ahead. To delve deeper into the implications, the Rural Press Club of Queensland is hosting a special lunch event at Brisbane’s Amora Hotel on Friday, May 1. This gathering will feature three industry experts with hands-on experience in the fuel, fertiliser, and freight sectors.

Meet the Experts

	Stewart Morland has nearly five decades of experience in the fuel industry. His journey began in his family’s Shell distributorship in Springwood, Brisbane. Currently, he serves as Director and part owner of IOR, which operates the Eromanga Refinery and maintains substantial diesel and aviation fuel storage and distribution infrastructure across regional Australia.
	Josh McGregor is the Managing Director of McGregor Gourlay, one of the largest fertiliser distributors on Australia’s east coast. His career spans senior roles with Nutrien/Landmark and CRT, along with two decades of experience importing fertiliser. The ongoing global disruptions, particularly those affecting natural gas sourced from the Middle East, have direct implications for supply.
	Jared Seiler is the President of the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland and Director of Seiler Transport. Based in Kingaroy, he has strong ties to both primary production and transport, highlighting the essential role freight plays in the agricultural sector. As he asserts, the country’s operations rely heavily on diesel trucks.

This event offers invaluable insights for anyone involved in food production, regional Australia, or those who simply rely on fuel for daily activities. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the fuel crisis impacting all sectors of the economy.

To secure individual tickets or a table of ten, please click ‘register to attend’ below: