There’s still diesel in Jerilderie

Similarly, Purtill Group - which operates regional Ampol sites - also rejected the claims of low to no supplies.

Both were contacted for comment after Federal Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie fronted a press conference today and suggested Deni and Jerildeire were in dire straits.

In an interview with The Nationals Leader David Littleproud, Sky News’ Kevin Gilbert states “we heard Bridget McKenzie talk about Deniliquin running out of diesel”.

A transcript provided to the Southern Riverina News by Senator McKenzie’s office confirms she told a press conference “we know that there are incredible fuel shortages. Jerilderie and Deniliquin have run out of fuel”.

But after being contacted directly by the Southern Riverina News, the Senator’s office has since said the comment were referring to wholesale diesel only.

This was not clarified in the press conference.

The Senator’s team said the comments were based on feedback being received from trucking industry bodies, and allegedly based on what they have heard from one of the nation's largest independent fuel distributors.

They admitted this advice has not been tested, and the Southern Riverina News has not seen the feedback provided.

“The trucking industry, for instance, the trucking industry has made it clear that their depots will be out of fuel on Wednesday,” Senator McKenzie said a little later in today’s press conference.

“That means that trucks that keep our country supplied with all manner of goods and services will have to source their fuel from road houses, which will result in price increases in excess of 40 to 50 cents a litre.”

According to the Australian Trucking Association, the market price for diesel increased from $130 on Friday, February 27 to almost $220 per barrel by March 6.

Retail diesel prices have increased almost 19 cents per litre since Sunday.

There’s been some footage from metropolitan areas of people stockpiling fuel amidst shortage concerns.

Purtill Group managing director Neville Purtill said while there has been a slight increase on people filling their vehicles in recent days, he said he has seen no evidence of significant stockpiling.

He urged the community to remain calm.

The Southern Riverina News is continuing to seek clarification on the state of local wholesale diesel supplies.