Restaurants and cafes urged to add 5 per cent ‘fuel surcharge’ to all bills
Australian diners face a potential surcharge on restaurant bills as the fuel crisis forces eateries to pass on soaring delivery and supply costs.   :(


News.com.au
March 28, 2026

Australians might soon face a five per cent increase in costs at their favourite restaurant, cafe, or pub due to rising petrol prices.

Hospitality businesses across the country are considering adding a ‘fuel surcharge’ on all drinks and meals, including takeaway – meaning a $100 bill would rise to $105 – and that’s not even counting weekend and card surcharges.   :(

The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association’s chief executive Wes Lambert has urged businesses to introduce this temporary surcharge to cover the higher expenses they are currently facing.

However, some have argued it would place more financial strain on Aussies, who are already burdened by recent interest rate hikes, existing cost of living pressures, and soaring petrol prices.

Aussies might be slapped with an extra five per cent surcharge at restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Mr Lambert said the fuel crisis has increased costs for transportation, freight, refrigeration, supplier deliveries, utilities, and waste collection, adding to the financial pressures already faced by eateries.

“Fuel touches everything in hospitality – every delivery, every supplier, every ingredient and every collection truck that pulls up behind a venue,” he said.

“If government won’t stabilise costs, businesses must be allowed to survive them.”

Mr Lambert noted that “many hospitality businesses” have been hit with their own fuel charges on deliveries from suppliers.

“This is happening rapidly as petrol stations around Victoria and NSW begin to run out of diesel … what we’re hearing from restaurants and cafes and some pubs around the country is they are now being hit with a fuel surcharge,” he said.


Energy Minister Chris Bowen has confirmed that 608 service stations across Australia are lacking either diesel or unleaded, making up eight per cent of the total 7798 service stations.

The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association claims the fee will help keep hospitality businesses afloat given the current fuel crisis. 
Mr Lambert said a surcharge could help business owners keep operating despite factors “they can’t control”.

“We have such low profit margins as it is – 2.6 per cent for cafes and 2.8 per cent for restaurants, which keep on absorbing the world’s problems,” he said.

“So the association is calling on the industry to band together and rather than absorb the cost burden, introduce a fuel surcharge.”

However, the move has sparked a rift within the industry.

John Hart, President of Restaurant & Catering Australia, has hit back at the proposal, labelling the idea of a collective surcharge “anticompetitive”.

“I would think that any attempt to set a price or a surcharge, between a group of operators and/or an association could be considered anticompetitive,” Hart told news.com.au.

“This is not a place that Restaurant & Catering or I want to be.”

Mr Hart warned that the ACCC would likely have “a good look” at any businesses attempting to “collude on pricing”.

“They have said as much in response to the fuel prices at the bowser so why not other businesses?” he said.

He also expressed concern that the surcharge could “scare diners away” leading up to Easter, which would be the “most damaging outcome”.

However, not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea.

On social media, Aussies were also divided over the idea.

“Companies can’t be expected to absorb the costs and still stay afloat sadly,” one supporter wrote on Facebook.


“As long as it is removed after the crisis and not kept, I’m in favour,” another said.

Less customers, less revenue, less jobs, more businesses splattering the wall.

All because the Israeli war criminal played TACO as a fool.

Now with the land invasion coming, the Red Sea to be cut off by the Houthi. 4 million barrels less a day from the Saudis.

Perhaps these businesses should charge a 10% fuel charge, rather than 5.

Professional beggars around Sydney have put an extra 10% surcharge on their cardboard signs stating due to fuel and electricity rise in costs.

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 4:13pm:

Less customers, less revenue, less jobs, more businesses splattering the wall. All because the Israeli war criminal played TACO as a fool. Now with the land invasion coming, the Red Sea to be cut off by the Houthi. 4 million barrels less a day from the Saudis. Perhaps these businesses should charge a 10% fuel charge, rather than 5.

Awww diddims. It's an end to a long war that you had to have. But don't worry, there might be a few new ones soon because of the rising cost of fuel and electricity since before Trump decided to end this one.

You're such a little pink. ::)

Jasin wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 4:17pm:

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28th, 2026 at 4:13pm: Less customers, less revenue, less jobs, more businesses splattering the wall. All because the Israeli war criminal played TACO as a fool. Now with the land invasion coming, the Red Sea to be cut off by the Houthi. 4 million barrels less a day from the Saudis. Perhaps these businesses should charge a 10% fuel charge, rather than 5. Awww diddims. It's an end to a long war that you had to have. But don't worry, there might be a few new ones soon because of the rising cost of fuel and electricity since before Trump decided to end this one. You're such a little pink. ::)

Not a long war ... Israeli war criminal trying to steal land and conning TACO into doing his dirty work.

And thanks for the compliment.
... pink is associated with warmth, affection, and softness.  Calling someone "pink" in this context can be a playful or endearing way to describe them as sweet, cute, or gentle.

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 4:32pm:

... pink is associated with warmth, affection, and softness.  Calling someone "pink" in this context can be a playful or endearing way to describe them as sweet, cute, or gentle.

yep Chinese pinks are warm and cuddly, until you cross 'em. ;)

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 4:32pm:

Jasin wrote on Mar 28th, 2026 at 4:17pm: Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28th, 2026 at 4:13pm: Less customers, less revenue, less jobs, more businesses splattering the wall. All because the Israeli war criminal played TACO as a fool. Now with the land invasion coming, the Red Sea to be cut off by the Houthi. 4 million barrels less a day from the Saudis. Perhaps these businesses should charge a 10% fuel charge, rather than 5. Awww diddims. It's an end to a long war that you had to have. But don't worry, there might be a few new ones soon because of the rising cost of fuel and electricity since before Trump decided to end this one. You're such a little pink. ::) Not a long war ... Israeli war criminal trying to steal land and conning TACO into doing his dirty work. And thanks for the compliment. ... pink is associated with warmth, affection, and softness.  Calling someone "pink" in this context can be a playful or endearing way to describe them as sweet, cute, or gentle.

You clearly don't want and don't understand that it is the destiny of both Islam & Israel to be United and that there is a process to go though to achieve that by destroying their old ways.
Little Pinks like you just can't cope, because it reflects your own inability to role with the punches of change, because (like Terrorism in Islam) you hold onto the past like a boy to his mummy's tit.

All attack is a cry for help.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Mythology is not fact. Next you will be claiming a full blown nuclear world war, humans will survive and Jessie will return.

I can tell straight away. That you will not survive this.
You're struggling already and making pinky noises.

Survive what.

What does your mythology predict?

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 4:13pm:

Less customers, less revenue, less jobs, more businesses splattering the wall. All because the Israeli war criminal played TACO as a fool. Now with the land invasion coming, the Red Sea to be cut off by the Houthi. 4 million barrels less a day from the Saudis. Perhaps these businesses should charge a 10% fuel charge, rather than 5.

They should send the bill to the rapist in the White House.

Energy security is economic security.

We should have it but our woke leftie leaders brought into the climate scam
( As Tim flannery , Australian of the year scientist said in 2005, the snowy mountains will have no snow in 20 yrs ....and now they have the best and earliest snowfall ever  :D).

But energy will drive inflation and a lower standard of living.

China India japan and Korea are using our fossil fuels to get rich as we get poorer.

Thank God that CO 2 stays in the northern hemisphere  :D :D :D

greggerypeccary wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 5:23pm:

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28th, 2026 at 4:13pm: Less customers, less revenue, less jobs, more businesses splattering the wall. All because the Israeli war criminal played TACO as a fool. Now with the land invasion coming, the Red Sea to be cut off by the Houthi. 4 million barrels less a day from the Saudis. Perhaps these businesses should charge a 10% fuel charge, rather than 5. They should send the bill to the rapist in the White House.

Oops, that was a bit vague - sorry.

There are so many rapists and kiddy fiddlers in the White House at the moment, so I should have been more specific.

Send the bill to Donald J. Trump - he is 1500% to blame for all of this.

I'm not talking 50%.  I mean 14-1500%.

Quote:

Restaurants and cafes urged to add 5 per cent ‘fuel surcharge’ to all bills Australian diners face a potential surcharge on restaurant bills as the fuel crisis forces eateries to pass on soaring delivery and supply costs.

Quote:

Hospitality businesses across the country are considering adding a ‘fuel surcharge’ on all drinks and meals, including takeaway – meaning a $100 bill would rise to $105 – and that’s not even counting weekend and card surcharges.   Sad The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association’s chief executive Wes Lambert has urged businesses to introduce this temporary surcharge to cover the higher expenses they are currently facing. However, some have argued it would place more financial strain on Aussies, who are already burdened by recent interest rate hikes, existing cost of living pressures, and soaring petrol prices. Aussies might be slapped with an extra five per cent surcharge at restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Quote:

However, not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea. On social media, Aussies were also divided over the idea. “Companies can’t be expected to absorb the costs and still stay afloat sadly,” one supporter wrote on Facebook. “As long as it is removed after the crisis and not kept, I’m in favour,” another said

Here's a really radical idea - stop eating out. I can't remember the last time I paid for something in a cafe or restaurant or bought takeaway. I buy all my own food and make all of my own meals at home.

Mind you, I'm sure the thought of that (and the ability to actually do it) is well out of reach for the average Aussie these days.

I say that because I was reading an article somewhere recently where it said that the average person is pretty much incapable (or too lazy) to make their own meals thereby saving a fortune on not eating out or buying takeaways.

I must be an economists (and governments) worst nightmare because I live within my means and I'm not constantly thinking about things like where to eat/take out or the next Bali holiday - and I'm proud of it. There needs to be more people like me, not just for their own sakes but for the sake of the environment and the planet.

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 5:01pm:

All attack is a cry for help.

So said your psychobabble professor? ::)

"But a question always arises for me, “Are they being attacked, or is this just a desperate cry for help?”. "

https://www.helmsmanmediums.com/blog/when-is-an-attack-really-a-cry-for-help

lee wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 5:57pm:

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28th, 2026 at 5:01pm: All attack is a cry for help. So said your psychobabble professor? ::)

Look at all the personal attack on this site ... it's majority, the hard right posters ... because they have a very hard time expressing their mythology opinions.

"But a question always arises for me, “Are they being attacked, or is this just a desperate cry for help?”. "

https://www.helmsmanmediums.com/blog/when-is-an-attack-really-a-cry-for-help

;)

Carl D wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 5:56pm:

Quote: Restaurants and cafes urged to add 5 per cent ‘fuel surcharge’ to all bills Australian diners face a potential surcharge on restaurant bills as the fuel crisis forces eateries to pass on soaring delivery and supply costs. [quote]Hospitality businesses across the country are considering adding a ‘fuel surcharge’ on all drinks and meals, including takeaway – meaning a $100 bill would rise to $105 – and that’s not even counting weekend and card surcharges.   Sad The Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association’s chief executive Wes Lambert has urged businesses to introduce this temporary surcharge to cover the higher expenses they are currently facing. However, some have argued it would place more financial strain on Aussies, who are already burdened by recent interest rate hikes, existing cost of living pressures, and soaring petrol prices. Aussies might be slapped with an extra five per cent surcharge at restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Quote:

However, not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea. On social media, Aussies were also divided over the idea. “Companies can’t be expected to absorb the costs and still stay afloat sadly,” one supporter wrote on Facebook. “As long as it is removed after the crisis and not kept, I’m in favour,” another said

Here's a really radical idea - stop eating out. I can't remember the last time I paid for something in a cafe or restaurant or bought takeaway. I buy all my own food and make all of my own meals at home.

Mind you, I'm sure the thought of that (and the ability to actually do it) is well out of reach of the average Aussie these days.

I say that because I was reading an article somewhere recently where it said that the average person is pretty much incapable (or too lazy) to make their own meals thereby saving a fortune on not eating out or buying takeaways.

I must be an economists (and governments) worst nightmare because I live within my means and I'm not constantly thinking about things like where to eat/take out or the next Bali holiday - and I'm proud of it. There needs to be more people like me, not just for their own sakes but for the sake of the environment and the planet.[/quote]

When I was working, I used to eat out at restaurants at least three times a week.

At one stage, I was eating out for every meal (lunch and dinner - I never eat breakfast).

Since I've retired, I hardly eat out at all.

I've never been a good cook, but I'm starting to get better at it now.

I've been perfecting stir-fries lately, and even made some extremely tasty rissoles the other day.

Made some awesome fried rice today, and last night I made a very tasty pasta dish.

Oh, and have been trying new things with eggplants too.

But yeah, if the restaurants are too expensive don't go to them.

Simples.

Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28^th, 2026 at 6:01pm:

lee wrote on Mar 28th, 2026 at 5:57pm: Ai_Took_Our_Jobs wrote on Mar 28th, 2026 at 5:01pm: All attack is a cry for help. So said your psychobabble professor? ::) Look at all the personal attack on this site ... it's majority, the hard right posters ... because they have a very hard time expressing their mythology opinions.

No. More like you Lefties are imbeciles out of your depth in all things Politics, Military and Religion.
You should stick to your Eurovision, sport and Cooking shows ;D

As for mythology.
Well I've read though all of Joseph Campbell's works long ago.
I even adopted his surname as my own for 5 years for fun and that was legally too. ;)
I think I've got you on that one too little pink. ;D

Will customers expect a 5% discount for going ?

All workers should charge 5% extra to their bosses too.

As most people won't be driving far for Easter. Tourism Businesses are jacking their prices up to compensate for another downturn, upon the wallets of the suckers who do go out and about.