[Peakoil] Diesel shortage looms in NT

[Alex Pollard]

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/10/06/264971_ntnews.html

Fuel shortage looms
MEAGAN DILLON   |  October 6th, 2011


DARWIN is facing a diesel shortage after a fire in Singapore delayed
shipment of the fuel to the Top End.

NT Business Department acting chief executive Kathleen Robinson said in an
email obtained by the NT News that the fire at a Singapore refinery would
cause delays to the next shipment of diesel to Darwin.

"(This) may create supply shortages over the next two weeks," she said.

The shortage could leave thousands of Territory motorists scrounging for
available fuel stocks.

Caltex spokesman Sam Collyer confirmed that the fire at the Pulau Bukom
oil refinery late last month had caused delays to a shipment of diesel to
Darwin. He said Caltex was "managing" its stock to minimise impacts down
the supply chain.

"Supply of petrol and jet fuel is unaffected," he said.

Ms Robinson said Caltex had allocated 45,000 litres of diesel to the
Territory Government for its use over the two week period. But she added
the Government would use 62,500 litres of the fuel a week without
factoring in usage by the Power and Water Corporation. "All government
agencies have been advised there may be a supply shortage and asked to
confirm their current inventory levels," she said.

Ms Robinson said deliveries would be "prioritised" on results from stock
levels. She said Caltex had been told to "hold" all deliveries of diesel
to government departments until they had determined who was most in need.

The biggest government users of diesel fuel are Royal Darwin Hospital and
the Darwin Bus Service which have enough bulk diesel to last two weeks.