May 30, 2026, 6:39 PM EDT. Australia's truck drivers face escalating challenges as diesel prices surged from about $1.80 to $3.20 per litre amid a global fuel crisis triggered by the war in Iran. Owner-driver Frank Black illustrates the sector's hardship, citing that fuel now consumes a disproportionate share of income, forcing many to halt work temporarily. Industry expert David Peetz warns of growing insolvency rates in the logistics sector, where operating costs, including truck maintenance and delayed payments, strain profitability. High baseline expenses, sometimes over $200,000 annually, threaten the sustainability of small operators, with many facing potential bankruptcy or ceasing operations entirely.