The pressing meals provide warning that each Australian must learn

Australia may face pressure on food supplies in the coming months as prices rise amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, a prominent prepper has warned.

Motorists are paying more at the petrol bowser, while some regional towns are facing fuel shortages due to the global oil price hike.

Farmers are among those being hit hard by the fuel crisis, and believe it will directly translate into soaring costs for families at the checkout.

The Middle East supplies up to 45 per cent of the world’s urea, a nitrogen fertiliser that promotes high crop yields from wheat and vegetables. It is not produced in Australia.

Shipping giants have suspended shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, causing chaos in supply chains worldwide.

While the Australian Retail Association is yet to report food shortages or supply‑chain issues, Aussies have been warned that all parts of the economy will be impacted as the Middle East conflict enters its third week.

Susanne Peet, a food expert and prepper who helps families break their dependence on supermarkets and secure 12 months of food supplies, says past wars have shown that disrupted supply chains often lead to food shortages. 

‘Everyone is relying on the supply chain and the ability to go to a grocery store to get what they want every single week,’ she said.

‘The reliability of that is coming to an end.’

Her warning was based on information from agricultural insiders.

‘I was talking to someone in commercial fertilising equipment and organic fertilising creation, who is at panic stations as he has already sold out of fertiliser for the season and is likely to receive only 25 per cent of the ingredients needed to make more for next season because of the issues happening in the world right now.’

Ms Peet believes that food and financial security are the biggest issues for all Aussies right now, regardless of their socioeconomic situation.

‘The middle class is worried about slipping into poverty, while the most vulnerable members of our society are quietly panicking because they already lack the support they need to get by.

‘I want to give people facts about what is happening so they have the knowledge and, hopefully, using critical thinking skills, can decide what’s right for themselves.

‘I by no means encourage panic buying of any kind, but I suggest being open to lifestyle changes and prepared to adapt.’

Ms Peet fears that disrupted supply chains could lead to food rationing, increased reliance on food vouchers, and a potential rise in crime.

‘During Covid in 2021–2022, people from urban areas headed to the country not just to buy food from their shops, but to steal from their farms,’ she said.

‘At our local shop, you had to show ID and prove you were a local before they let you in. Large farms hired extra security to try and reduce theft.’

The fuel crisis is already creating headaches for farmers on the cusp of harvesting summer crops and planting for winter.

‘The conflict in the Middle East reiterates how Australian farmers are at the mercy of geopolitical tensions because of their heavy reliance on imported inputs and export markets,’ National Farmers’ Federation president Hamish McIntyre said.

‘Livestock exports have been disrupted, and we expect farmers will soon face higher fuel and fertiliser prices.

‘Without fuel and fertiliser, farmers simply can’t get food and fibre to consumers.’

Mr McIntyre warned that costs on perishable goods such as dairy, fruit and vegetables could rise by 40 to 50 per cent if constraints on fuel and fertiliser continue.

‘It’s a double effect – it’s cost of delivery, plus cost to farmers that will add up to a greater cost for consumers in our supermarkets,’ he said.

Food shortages can be avoided if more Aussies learn practical skills to grow their own produce.

‘Food security is the one thing that everyone can control,’ Ms Peet said.

‘The three pillars everyone will need are to grow, preserve and store food.

‘I am not talking about “prepping the bunker”. I’m talking about the ability to grow what you eat, preserve the harvest and store it in a professional inventory manner for long‑term food security.’

Ms Peet said community connections were important.  

‘Join a community garden or find a neighbour in your street who is growing food and learn from them, share the space and exchange skills, seeds and more,’ she said.

‘People all over the world grow food in small spaces, like balconies, vertical gardens and hydroponic set-ups in spare rooms.

‘Growing food does not have to be a full-time job, it can supplement what you eat at the very least. 

‘Now more than ever, we need to frequent Australian-made and produced businesses, support farmers’ markets and buy direct from farmers.’