Aussie Farmers, Truckers Hit by Diesel Crunch

0:00It's April 15th. This is Sydney News Today, your AI-powered local news. Dairy farmers down under are sounding the alarm on milk shortages, unless they can jack up prices to $2.00 a liter. Soaring diesel costs are hitting them hard, threatening Australia's whole food supply chain, as trucks sit idle. Meanwhile, unleaded petrol has dipped below $2.00 a liter at some cine stations for the first time since Easter. But diesel stays sky high, squeezing trucking companies and farmers who rely on it to haul goods. Truck operators are reeling, with a survey showing 70% expect to shut down if this drags on six months. One haulage boss lost another contractor this week, as drivers park rigs because it's cheaper than running the memty. Farmers want a 20% milk price hike to cover losses, pushing staples like butter and cheese higher too. Industry reps warned it'll spike living costs, but manufacturers face supermarket stone wallings since shoppers are tapped out from inflation and rates. Some fix on the table, cut back on discounts, so full prices stick more often.

1:04With smaller operators hauling 60 to 70% of freight, this diesel crunch could reshape shelves nationwide if prices don't budge.