Fuel is only available for 46 days - Australian Prime Minister

Amidst the global fuel crisis stemming from the volatile situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a positive yet cautious update on Australia's national fuel reserves. On April 23, 2026, the Prime Minister revealed that Australia's short-term fuel supply has significantly increased, with national fuel reserves showing a 10-day increase, reaching 46 days since the start of the US-Iran conflict.

This situation is reported against the backdrop of Australia facing the impact of a wartime atmosphere, which has led to a rapid increase in global oil prices, panic buying at some petrol stations, and concerns about supply chains. Australia imports approximately 90% of its transport fuel needs, and its domestic petroleum refining capacity has significantly declined over the past two decades.

The government emphasizes that Australia is currently in the second stage of its four-stage national fuel security plan. Under this stage, national fuel supply operates effectively, but some regional disruptions are still predicted. While the Prime Minister clarified that the short-term outlook is secure, he stressed that the situation remains uncertain and depends on how long the Middle East conflict persists.

He did not rule out taking drastic measures up to stages 3 or 4, such as releasing reserves, implementing demand reduction steps, or introducing fuel rationing, if the crisis escalates. However, he also stated that entering stage 3 is not imminent.

Concurrently, Mr. Albanese confirmed that Australian fuel companies BP and Viva have successfully secured four consignments of over 200 million liters of diesel from suppliers in South Korea, Brunei, and Malaysia. These consignments, expected to arrive in Australia in late May or early June, will add approximately two and a half days of additional diesel supply to the country, beyond existing contracts.

The Prime Minister urged Australians to refrain from unnecessary fuel hoarding, likening it to the toilet paper crisis of 2020, and stated that the government is continuously working with suppliers and regional partners to maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply. While an immediate fuel shortage is not anticipated, fuel prices remain high, and the long-term situation will be determined by the nature of the war.