Diesel costs tighten cattle-chain margins, but they do not explain the market on their own

Diesel volatility increased costs across Australia’s cattle chain in 2026, but it does not on its own explain movements in young-cattle markets. That is the message of a market analysis published by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). Since disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz began in late February, national retail diesel prices ranged from 180 cents per litre in the week ending 22 February to a peak of 319 cents in the week ending 12 April—an increase of 77%.