With the Middle East conflict rattling global oil supplies, Australia is ramping up defenses against a potential fuel crunch. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called an urgent national cabinet session Thursday, zeroing in on skyrocketing petrol prices and regional shortages.
The centerpiece of the response: a new Fuel Supply Taskforce headed by energy expert Anthia Harris. Drawing on her experience as ex-chief of the Australian Energy Regulator, Harris will bridge federal-state efforts to secure fuel flows and avert disruptions.
Albanese shared the strategy via X video, underscoring Australia’s ‘over-prepared’ stance. ‘Supply is secure now, but we’re building resilience ahead of any shocks,’ he assured. States had sounded alarms over ‘unimaginable’ shortages in remote areas, and the taskforce has been widely praised as a proactive step.
More actions loom on the horizon, with Albanese hinting at supply chain fortifications. Meanwhile, the ACCC is scrutinizing big players—Ampol, BP, Mobil, and Viva Energy—for possible price gouging or collusion amid the squeeze. As tensions simmer overseas, Australia’s dual strategy of coordination and oversight aims to keep pumps flowing and prices in check for everyday Aussies.