Surging Oil Prices Trigger Fuel Shortages in Australia, Boosting Sales of Chinese EVs Like BYD

International oil prices surged sharply on April 10 due to the Middle East conflict, triggering fuel supply shortages in Australia. The national average gasoline price rose to A$2.53 per liter, pushing the cost to fill a typical tank above RMB 1,000. Many gas stations across the country ran out of fuel. Soaring vehicle operating costs and fears of fuel shortages have driven consumers toward electric vehicles (EVs), with BYD emerging as a popular choice thanks to its strong value proposition. BYD’s sales in Australia have grown significantly: some dealerships sold over 50 vehicles in a single day, and one store recorded 740 sales in March alone—the highest monthly sales figure ever for a single dealership in Australia. Nationwide, BYD sold 7,217 vehicles in March, a 35.6% month-on-month increase, ranking it third in the country’s overall car sales chart. In Victoria, multiple BYD models—including the Atto 1, Atto 2, Dolphin, and Seal 6—have completely sold out. Even vehicles still in transit for the Atto 2 and Seal 6 have already been reserved by customers. This buying frenzy has driven up used EV prices by A$3,000 to A$5,000 per vehicle within just one month, yet demand continues to outstrip supply. Meanwhile, Chinese automotive brands as a whole are performing strongly in Australia. In February, China surpassed Japan for the first time to become Australia’s largest source of new vehicles. Other Chinese brands, including GWM (Great Wall Motors) and Chery, have also entered the country’s top-ten sales rankings, steadily expanding their market share.