‘Not the Australian way’: PM announces new plan to tackle fuel crisis, calls out fuel hoarders
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the government will be granted new powers to help private importers bring more fuel into the nation as the government attempts to curb spiking fuel prices and panic buying.
The new powers are set to come into effect on Monday and will allow the government to use public funds to underwrite the purchase of fuel by the private sector.
The prime minister said it will also allow for the purchase of fertiliser and other essentials.
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“I want us to have the strongest possible plants, so we’re ready for what may come. I want to keep our people, our economy and our nation moving,” he said.
Albanese said that the government is in talks with local and international fuel suppliers “to help firm up and source new cargoes required to keep Australia moving”.
“Put simply, we will use Export Finance Australia to underwrite the purchase of shiploads of fuel that will add to supply here in Australia.
“This support from the government will not be business as usual.
“It has to be additional supplies that are available on the international market, and it literally will be underwriting the purchase of shiploads of fuel to get here to Australia.”
The prime minister said the measures are being enacted to keep Australia prepared and ensure fuel “gets to the right places”.
He said that recent footage circulating on social media showing people filling multiple jerry cans at petrol stations to hoard fuel is “not the Australian way”.
“People need to take what they need and no more,” he said.
“I don’t want things to be mandated, common sense should apply as well.”
“This isn’t toilet paper that’s been piled up in some garages. It’s actually fuel.
“That’s not sensible on a range of levels. One, it’s not doing the right thing by your fellow Australians. But importantly, as well, it can be dangerous.”
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Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen backed the prime minister’s sentiments, saying that fuel demand in rural Australia is at “a very busy time”.
“[Demand] remains exceedingly high, and this supply is still not enough, but we are increasing supply and working in a very complicated supply chain to get the fuel to where it needs to go.”
“The fact of the matter is, cargo internationally available, but is getting increasingly expensive and increasingly risky in a volatile environment.”
Bowen said Australia currently has 1.6 billion litres of petrol, which roughly equates to nine days’ worth, which is up “very slightly”.
He also said the nation has 2.7 billion litres of diesel, which is approximately one month’s worth, and is “pretty flat”.
“What that tells me is that while the fuel is flowing strongly out the door, especially to regional Australia.”
Bowen said that Australians need to remain prepared as the war in the Middle East escalates, so too will volatile fuel prices.
