Australia has secured an additional 100 million litres of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to address fuel supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced this initiative on Thursday, describing it as the first of several shipments expected under new government powers aimed at building a strategic fuel reserve. This announcement comes in response to fresh concerns following a fire at a major refinery near Melbourne, which has raised fears of further strain on the country’s fuel supply chain.
While in Malaysia for talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen energy cooperation, Albanese emphasized that the government is acting swiftly to bolster reserves. Currently, Australia holds enough petrol to cover approximately 38 days of consumption, which falls significantly short of the 90-day minimum recommended by the International Energy Agency. Although the government has not yet implemented fuel rationing, it has urged motorists to conserve petrol and utilize public transport whenever possible.
Australia’s reliance on oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime route that previously transported one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas—adds to the urgency of the situation. Shipping through the strait has slowed sharply since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February. The new diesel shipments represent a significant step in Australia’s efforts to secure energy stability amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and growing concerns over fuel availability.
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