AN international cargo of diesel has arrived in Victoria which will alleviate the fuel shortage within a few days.
Diesel pumps across the state are empty today as supplies dry up.
The shortage comes after production was halted at the Geelong Shell Refinery due to an electrical fault caused by storms last week.
Farmers have started to feel the pressure as the shortage threatens to interrupt harvest operations.
"We shouldn't be in a situation where petrol stations will be out of diesel for much longer,'' said Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association chief executive Nic Moulis.
"An international cargo of diesel arrived into Victoria,'' he said.
"Once that is batched, that will be released as well.''
Mr Moulis said the transporting members and distributors were on stand-by to start delivering the diesel once it has been cleaned and tested.
Diesel levels are expected to be back to normal within the week.
"We're ready to act,'' he said.
The Shell Refinery faults have been fixed and production "ramped up'', according to Shell spokesperson Paul Zennaro.
"Shell is working with its customers . . . with farmers and those in regional areas to make sure the diesel gets delivered.''
