Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces a $10 billion package to strengthen Australia’s fuel and fertiliser security in response to the energy disruption triggered by conflict in the Middle East. The plan aims to raise Australia’s onshore fuel reserves to at least 50 days by creating a government-owned reserve for diesel and jet fuel. Officials say the reserve is intended to provide coverage during supply disruptions and to address regional shortages affecting essential users.
Multiple reports describe the package as expanding national stockpiles and requiring private fuel companies to hold additional inventories. One outlet says the government reserve targets about 1 billion litres to support the 50-day level.
The measures also include stockpiling fertiliser, reflecting concerns about potential downstream impacts from tighter global supply chains. Reporting notes that Australia imports around 80% of its fuel and has already experienced localised shortages as oil and gas supply strains intensify amid risks around the Strait of Hormuz. The government presents the changes as long-term resilience steps to protect energy sovereignty and supply continuity beyond the immediate crisis.
