University of Wollongong students are feeling the strain as fuel shortages and rising petrol prices disrupt daily commutes, forcing many to rethink how they get to campus.
The spike in fuel costs has added significant financial pressure to an expensive university experience for students travelling from regional areas.
Some student say they have cut back on non-essential spending to afford petrol, while others have been forced to consider alternative study options altogether.
Isla Stephenson, who commutes weekly from Crookwell NSW, said rising costs have become unsustainable.
“Before the fuel prices went up, I could fill up my car for $50, and now it was $80 the other day just to make it here and back,” Ms Stephenson said.
Ms Stephenson said the cost difference is making her reconsider where she studies.
“If I’m paying $80 a day to come to Wollongong, whereas Canberra is closer to my hometown, I could pay that for two days of travel. It just seems easier,” she said.
Third-year student Monique Mathieson, who travels from Wandandian NSW three times a week, said the financial burden had hit students hard.
“As a university student, we can’t all work 24/7, so you don’t have that much money to put towards petrol each week, especially now that it’s almost doubling,” Ms Mathieson said.
Mathieson saidthe university could do more to support students who commute long distances.
“I think the university could definitely work on putting things in place to help people out who have to travel a long way. Sometimes it feels like they forget not everyone lives in Wollongong,” she said.
Concerns about rising fuel costs have increased at a national level, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission monitoring potential price gouging and supply pressures.
The ACCC’s latest data shows fuel benchmarks have risen sharply since late February, with particular concern around diesel availability in regional areas.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the regulator is prepared to act against companies engaging in anti-competitive behaviour.
“If we find there is conduct that is collusive, for example, any agreements to divide up or supply certain customers or set prices, or any other collusion in breach of competition laws, we will investigate it and take action,” she said.
As prices continue to climb, the impact is being felt heavily by students who have no choice but to drive.
