Australian PM to visit Singapore over fuel supply concerns

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese will meet his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in Singapore on Friday to discuss securing fuel supplies amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, according to Reuters.

Singapore, the largest oil hub in Asia, is a key supplier of petrol to Australia, as well as an important source of diesel and aviation fuel. Australia is already experiencing diesel shortages affecting agriculture and the mining sector due to supply constraints and logistical disruptions.

Albanese stressed the strategic importance of the energy partnership, noting that Australia supplies about one-third of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Singapore, receiving in return roughly 26% of its refined fuel.

The situation has worsened following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil previously passed. Despite a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, shipping in the region remains severely restricted.