Nearly two-thirds of Victorians back emergency fuel rationing

Victorian are strongly backing government-mandated petrol rationing if fuel availability continues to get harder due to the war in Iran.

In a comprehensive weekend survey by The Agenda Group's Community Pulse, 61% of Victorians say they would support emergency fuel rationing if availability worsens. Just 13% opposed fuel rationing.

If fuel was rationed, respondents across all demographic groups said fuel priority should be given to emergency workers (60% support) and farmers (40%).

About a quarter of respondents (27%) said there should be equal rationing for everyone.

The Community Pulse also reveals near-universal support for a return to local fuel production (87%),  although only 45% of Victorians say they would pay more for locally-made fuel.

93% of Victorians said they were concerned oil companies might exploit the current crisis for profit.

The poll was conducted between March 27 and 29th, with more than 450 respondents answering questions about the current fuel crisis and their attitude to hypothetical measures to curb demand.

The Agenda Group's James McGarvey said the snapshot will feed into conversations between Premiers, Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister ahead of Monday's National Cabinet meeting.

"If demand management measures like fuel rationing are considered, it becomes a question of what restrictions people will accept and abide by."

"COVID taught us restrictions are only worthwhile if people understand them and accept them as neccesary."

"This Community Pulse clearly shows a significant community mandate for emergency rationing measures."

Community Pulse is a research project being conducted throughout 2026 by the Melbourne-based political engagement firm The Agenda Group, in partnership with the insights outfit Redge.

Redge founder and Managing Director, Anne-Marie Moir, said Victorians were worried about profiteering.

"Our research shows Victorians are ready for serious measures — 61% would support petrol rationing if needed, with clear priorities for emergency workers and farmers."

"But the overwhelming concern isn't about rationing itself, it's about fairness.

"When 93% worry that oil companies will exploit the crisis for profit, government has to demonstrate it's protecting households, not corporate margins."

Methodology:

The survey was conducted with more than 450 Victorian residents across metropolitan Melbourne (both inner and outer suburbs) and regional Victoria. The sample included respondents across all age groups from 18-24 to 65+. Data was collected through both quantitative scales and open-ended qualitative responses, which were analysed for themes and sentiment.