Some business owners are increasingly concerned about the possibility of closure if rising fuel prices do not stabilize soon.

Jacqui Shephard, director of Crown Cabs, expressed concern over the challenging situation faced by her 35 drivers operating throughout Victoria.

According to Shephard, there is also an increase in independent drivers who operate outside the established regulations.

“We are required to comply with all the rules,” Shephard explained.

“Meanwhile, there are independent operators acting like rogue cowboys, taking jobs from those who adhere to the standards and tarnishing the industry’s reputation.”

For companies such as Crown Cabs, the effectiveness of the federal government’s temporary reduction in the fuel excise on mitigating costs remains uncertain.

The government convened in a national cabinet meeting yesterday to urgently discuss ways to ease the supply issues and high prices impacting motorists.

Fuel availability is dwindling around the country as stock is depleted.

In Victoria alone, out of a total of 1,627 petrol stations, 82 are without diesel and 40 are without any petrol at all.

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