A storm is hitting Australian consumers and commuters.
War in Europe, the global pandemic and local floods have coincided to inflate the prices of many goods — from vegetables to coffee — especially those that are freighted.
This week's federal budget offered temporary relief by halving the excise on fuel, potentially saving drivers 22 cents a litre.
The timing is welcome: the average weekly price of unleaded petrol in Canberra is now nudging $2.10 a litre, a 14-year high when factoring in inflation.
However, Motor Trades Association chief Richard Dudley said the $3 billion tax cut would not necessarily provide immediate relief.
Prices could take a few weeks to fall in Canberra.
"In other areas — for example, Cooma and wider afield — they might take a little longer to exhaust their existing supply [of petrol] and replenish it," Mr Dudley said.
Motorists will welcome the aid, but the benefits will be uneven; those who stand to gain most only do so because their lifestyles leave them more exposed to pump price changes.
Mounting costs of the quiet life
Ben O'Connell moved to Captains Flat seven years ago because it was cheaper and quieter than the city.
But he said the almost 60-kilometre drive into Canberra for work every day was beginning to hammer his bank balance.
"I am going from filling up once a week to only filling up $50 this week, because I know that will get me closer to pay day," he said.
Mr O'Connell is now budgeting for every dollar and says his family do not travel into town unless they must.
"It will save me that extra $15 that I can put straight into the car."
Working from home is not possible for Mr O'Connell, who has limited options.
"If I do not work, I do not get paid," he said.
Premium paid for 'a piece of heaven'
Suzanne Gearing lives in Mongarlowe, about 100 kilometres east of the ACT.
It takes her up to two hours to get into Canberra, depending on roadworks.
She loves where she lives and does not mind the commute.
"It is beautiful. It is a piece of heaven, full of trees, so environmentally friendly," she said.
But Ms Gearing said she has had to change her travel and spending habits in recent weeks.
"I am working from home more, but the problem is that our internet accessibility can be really poor," she said.
"[But petrol] is a big whack out of your pay: $50 or $60 would be a fair amount of groceries."
Coasting down the hills to the capital
Scott Baker drives into Canberra all the way from Bermagui on the New South Wales South Coast.
He said he has had to get creative with his budget, and now makes every drop of fuel count.
"You take your foot off the accelerator as you roll down the hill," he said.
Traffic flows are this town's lifeblood
The NSW town of Braidwood relies on motorists stopping by as they travel to and from Canberra and the South Coast.
Joanne Jordan works in Braidwood's information centre and says that, as fuel prices rise, she sees fewer people.
"This town lives and dies on tourists," she said.
Over the past two-and-a-half years, Braidwood has suffered the effects of road closures due to bushfires and floods, COVID-19 lockdowns and staff shortages.
Some of the town's roads remain damaged from 2020's wild weather.
"We cannot catch a break," Ms Jordan said.
