Police had to intervene and close down a fuel giveaway event that spiraled out of control, leading to chaotic traffic scenes on a bustling city street. The incident took place at Billy Beasley of RS Reward near the Liberty petrol station on Leakes Road in Truganina, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia.
The promotion allowed customers to claim up to $200 Australian dollars worth of fuel but prohibited the use of jerry cans. However, the offer triggered a frenzied rush for free fuel, resulting in a multitude of issues. Aerial footage captured the extensive traffic congestion, with vehicles lining up for miles in hopes of scoring complimentary fuel amid soaring petrol and diesel prices.
Victoria Police responded to the situation around 7:30 am to manage the traffic flow. A police spokesperson stated that congestion on Leakes Rd stemmed from the promotional event offering free fuel. After identifying various hazards due to the increased traffic, organizers collaborated with law enforcement to revamp the promotion, opting for vouchers redeemable at a later date.
Organizer Beasley, as reported by the Daily Mail, expressed surprise at the overwhelming turnout, noting the chaos and the unexpected volume of participants. Meanwhile, Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen advised motorists planning Easter getaways to refuel in urban areas, as fuel shortages primarily plague rural regions.
The government attributed regional fuel shortages to panic buying and distribution challenges, focusing on supplying fuel to support agricultural activities. Across Australia, numerous gas stations have reported diesel shortages, with New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania all experiencing varying degrees of supply issues. Bowen emphasized the importance of city refueling to alleviate strain on rural fuel supplies during the holiday weekend.
