The Albanese government has moved to hose down concerns over fuel shortages, with Energy Minister Chris Bowen insisting the supply of petrol, diesel and oil "will be the same, if not higher" than normal in the coming weeks.
Mr Bowen spoke alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a lengthy press conference on Friday, when the Prime Minister confirmed national cabinet would convene on Monday to develop a coordinated response. The Coalition had earlier called for a halving of the fuel excise to help cut ballooning prices, an idea Labor has rejected this week.
New figures from the consumer watchdog showed diesel prices across the five largest cities were up by an average of 10% over the last week, while unleaded petrol was up 8%. According to state government data, one in seven New South Wales service stations was out of at least one fuel type.
Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Narelle has brought raised roofs, heavy rain and destructive winds as it batters the West Australian coast. Thousands of Australians woke without power today after a series of wild autumn storms soaked communities in multiple states.
