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.
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.
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