Why Investing In Fuel Storage Tanks During Cyclone Season Is Recommended

The volume of diesel fuel consumed in Australia is projected to amount to approximately 25.2 million litres in 2024 . But what happens when your supply is cut off? For hospitals in remote areas and businesses involving quarries, mines and rural construction, it’s imperative to have a contingency plan for fuel during times of uncertainty. 

We have been through a lot over the past two years of the pandemic as individuals and in our communities. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that even if you don’t live in areas prone to natural disaster like flooding or bushfires, other external factors can easily impact you with no warning. However, with that said, investing in bulk fuel tanks could be the difference between whether you’re able to stay operational or not – especially during Australia’s cyclone season.

What is Australia’s cyclone season? 

Tropical cyclones are one of Australia’s most harmful weather events and their locations are often difficult to predict and they tend to form erratically. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the official cyclone season in Australia runs from November to April, although luckily very few have occurred in November in recent years. 

Research with the Long-Range Tropical Cyclone Outlook for Australia (TCO-AU) model predicted the 2022/2023 tropical cyclone season to be worse than usual and was right. It is likely there will be a below average number of tropical cyclones for the 2023–24 Australian tropical cyclone season (November–April). On average, 11 tropical cyclones form in a season in the Australia region, with 4 typically crossing the Australian coast, since reliable records began in 1969–70. The El Niño event in the tropical Pacific Ocean has influenced this year’s tropical cyclone season forecast. With this in mind, companies that rely on fuel infrastructure should prepare fuel storage tanks in case the supply chain is impacted.

A below average number of tropical cyclones is likely for Australia in 2023–24 *

For 2023–24, the forecast indicates a likely below average number of tropical cyclones in all regions.

• The Australian region has a 80% chance of having less tropical cyclones than average. Typically, 11 tropical cyclones form or pass through the Australian region in a season, with around four of these crossing the Australian coast. Historical forecast accuracy for the Australian region is moderate-to-high.
• The Western region has a 72% chance of having less tropical cyclones than average. Typically, at least one tropical cyclone in the Western region creates coastal impacts, regardless of the number that make landfall. Each season, an average 7 tropical cyclones form in, or pass through, the Western region. Historical forecast accuracy for the Western region is moderate.
• The Northwestern sub-region has a 75% chance of having less tropical cyclones than average. Typically, 5 cyclones form in or pass through this area each season, and around 3 of these, or their associated tropical lows, affect coastal areas of the Northwestern sub-region. Historical forecast accuracy for this region is moderate.
• The Eastern region has a 76% chance of having less tropical cyclones than average. The season average number of tropical cyclones for this region is 4, and typically one of these makes landfall. Historical forecast accuracy for this region is moderate-to-high.
• The Northern region has a 61% chance of having less tropical cyclones than average. Typically, the Northern region experiences 2 or 3 cyclones each season. About 75% of tropical cyclones in the Northern region affect coastal regions in some way. Historical forecast accuracy for this region is low.

*Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology

How is fuel infrastructure impacted by the cyclone season?

A normal cyclone season can already impact the fuel supply chain, but the current situation with the pandemic has also exacerbated certain issues and could affect how the domestic fuel tank industry responds to a major storm in the coming season. 

The main issues to be aware of are that during a tropical cyclone it may be hard to deliver regular fuel loads for an unknown amount of time. If you rely on fuel, you should consider purchasing or renting a remote fuel tank as a back-up. The other major problem that can occur is that even if the fuel is able to reach you, there may be shortages. Having your own fuel storage tanks to rely on will allow you to see any shortage periods though safely.

How can Fuelfix help?

Fuel infrastructure is already highly volatile during the cyclone season and other natural weather events, and the onset of the covid-19 pandemic has only increased these uncertainties. Companies need to be thinking about and procuring contingency solutions like bulk diesel tanks now in order to ensure that they can stay fully operational during turbulent times.

As a leading fuel storage provider in Australia, you can trust Fuelfix to provide flexible fuel management, maintenance and repairs for various industries all over the country. Rather than accept fuel misuse and loss as a matter of course, engage with the professionals at Fuelfix to ensure that the profitability and operations of your business or organisation are maintained during difficult times. 

We offer a country-wide footprint of equipment including a wide range of fuel tank for hire, fuel trailers for hire and fuel storage solutions. Our qualified and industry-trained technicians are here for local support and quick response for your business – especially when the wild weather strikes.

Utilising long-standing relationships with various suppliers, Fuelfix has maintained a strong supply chain that provides peace of mind during unpredictable periods for our customer’s fuel supply. We’ll help you keep your operation up and running with accurate reporting methods, dependable security and other excellent features that have helped us cement our place as Australia’s largest provider of fuel storage tanks.

A contingency plan can reduce downtime in the unlikely event of a storm, cyclone or power outage. Let Fuelfix & Tanks2Go help you prepare and develop a strong fuel contingency plan for this storm season.