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 the move on Thursday, describing it as the first of several shipments expected under new government powers to build a strategic fuel reserve.
The announcement comes amid fresh concerns after a fire overnight at a major refinery near Melbourne, raising fears of further strain on the country’s fuel supply chain. Albanese, who is in Malaysia for talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to strengthen energy cooperation, said the government was acting swiftly to shore up reserves.
Australia currently holds enough petrol to cover about 38 days of consumption, well short of the 90-day minimum recommended by the International Energy Agency. While the government has not yet imposed fuel rationing, it has urged motorists to conserve petrol and use public transport where possible.
The country relies heavily on oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that previously carried one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Shipping through the strait has slowed sharply since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February.
The new diesel shipments mark a significant step in Australia’s efforts to secure energy stability amid geopolitical uncertainty and growing concerns over fuel availability.
