AFGC’s latest intel on the Middle East conflict

20 March 2026

Background

Government Update

The Middle East conflict is creating real pressure across global supply chains. The AFGC team has been engaging directly with Cabinet Ministers, their staff, and government-led roundtables to ensure your concerns are front and centre.

We have worked to secure recognition of food and groceries as essential at the Cabinet level and we expect this to be reflected in policy going forward.

To support coordination across jurisdictions, the government has established a National Fuel Supply Taskforce as a national coordination mechanism to bring governments together on fuel supply monitoring, information sharing and forward planning.

It is also worth noting that many Ministers in their current roles were not in Cabinet during COVID-19 and are navigating this type of disruption for the first time. The AFGC is committed to being a steady, informed partner, providing sector intelligence and practical context to support effective decision-making.

Retail and Supply Chain Update

The AFGC is taking part in National Coordination Mechanism updates led by the National Emergency Management Agency, alongside Commonwealth and state and territory governments and industry.

Our focus is improving the availability of fuel supply, strengthening coordination, and getting early visibility of emerging risks.

We are also raising member concerns about resin, which is critical for food and grocery packaging and can quickly create flow‑on impacts if supply tightens.

The AFGC will continue working with NEMA and the Office of Supply Chain Resilience to improve early visibility of potential supply issues. Where government seeks industry input, the AFGC will consolidate and represent member perspectives.

Who you can talk to

If you’re starting to see signs of disruption, please reach out to Lee Dittmar, Manager, Retail Supply Chain at lee.dittmar@afgc.org.au so your feedback can be reflected in our engagement with government.

We will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves.

Scott McGrath
Director – Stakeholders, Engagement & Policy