Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared that Australia's fuel supply remains secure for the immediate future, revealing the nation currently holds 46 days of petrol reserves. However, he emphasised that the government is not ruling out implementing more stringent measures should global conditions worsen significantly.
National Cabinet Address on Fuel Security
Speaking after a National Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Albanese confirmed that Australia remains at Level 2 of its national fuel security plan, known as 'Keep Australia Moving.' This government response is specifically designed to manage pressure on fuel supply chains triggered by the ongoing Middle East War. The Prime Minister stressed there is no immediate risk of escalation to higher alert levels, but acknowledged the overall situation remains uncertain and volatile.
Improved Fuel Reserves and Public Cooperation
Albanese revealed that Australia's current petrol supply of 46 days represents a notable improvement from levels recorded when the conflict began in late February. He attributed this positive development partly to voluntary behavioural changes among Australian citizens. 'One of the reasons we've seen the supply of petrol in particular go up to 46 days is because Australians are doing their bit,' Albanese stated. 'People are changing their behaviour on a voluntary basis, and that makes a significant difference.'
Government Measures to Bolster Supplies
The government has taken proactive steps to directly strengthen fuel supplies, including underwriting diesel shipments through Export Finance Australia. Albanese reported that six cargoes of diesel, totalling just over 300 million litres, are currently en route to Australia as a result of these efforts. 'We've now had six cargoes of diesel on their way to Australia as a result of the work that we've done,' he said. 'We'll continue to do what we can to see if there are further cargoes available for purchase in the spot market.' The first cargo ship part of this initiative arrived at Port Botany in Sydney on Thursday.
Contingency Planning and Future Scenarios
While expressing confidence in the current security of Australia's fuel supply outlook for the near term, Albanese highlighted that the government is working diligently to prepare for potential contingencies. 'Australia's fuel supply outlook remains secure in the near term. However, we're working hard to prepare for contingencies in the event of supply disruptions in fuel and in fertiliser,' he explained. Higher levels of the national fuel security plan include more drastic measures, such as rationing, which could be activated if global conditions deteriorate further.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Australia remains steady at Level 2 in the national fuel security plan, which has been formally agreed upon by National Cabinet. This level allows for monitoring and management of supply chain pressures without implementing emergency restrictions. The government continues to assess international developments closely while encouraging continued public cooperation to maintain fuel security during this period of global uncertainty.
