By Afraa Kori

A surge in fuel prices and widespread shortages has thrown Easter travel plans into chaos across the Southeast.

Petrol has climbed above $2.50 a litre, while diesel has topped $3.10 in some areas. It was reported that some service stations had run dry during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The spike follows escalating conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran, triggering one of the most significant disruptions to the global oil market in recent years.

For some Cardinia residents, like Jenny Blackney and Keith Kooloos, the cost were enough to stay home and cancel plans altogether.

Others pressed ahead but with adjustments.

“Stayed with our caravan plans because we were only going a short distance. Picking up our EV, trading smaller cars, on Wednesday,” Tracey Matthies said.

Despite soaring diesel prices, some roads remained busy.

“Too many cars on the road regardless of fuel prices,” Jenny Blackney said.

“Thursday was a convoy of caravans going east so the price of diesel was not stopping them, as well as cars,” Irene Burnett said.

Frustration has also been tempered with humour.

“It was cheaper to buy overpriced chocolate eggs than petrol,” Trent Rayner said.

Free public transport, introduced by the state government to ease pressure on motorists during the Easter break, has been only a partial solution. Many residents have been unable to rely on the network due to ongoing disruptions.

On Wednesday 1 April, services on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines were suspended, with buses replacing trains between Oakleigh and Dandenong after a fault later linked to vandalism.

Commuters reported long lines and overcrowding at stations including Dandenong and Yarraman.

Further disruptions occurred on Tuesday, 7 April, with faults near Clayton causing ongoing delays and bus replacements across the network.

With global tensions ongoing, many residents now fear high fuel prices and disrupted travel plans could extend well beyond the Easter break.