Canberra to tap emergency fuel reserves after shortages

Australia will partially release fuel from its emergency reserves in response to recent supply disruptions, officials said.

Chris Bowen outlined the current state of the country’s strategic fuel reserves, noting that gasoline supplies currently cover 37 days, aviation kerosene reserves stand at 29 days, and diesel reserves amount to 30 days.

According to ABC News, the government plans to release a portion of these reserves to stabilise supply. The volume to be released will be equivalent to approximately six days of gasoline consumption and around five days of diesel supply.

This marks the first time Australia has used its fuel reserves since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Bowen said fuel shipments to Australia are continuing despite the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.

“The situation is somewhat complicated, but we have received all the expected deliveries of gasoline and diesel,” he said.

However, the minister noted significant disruptions in rural and regional areas, where fuel shortages have emerged due to a sharp surge in demand.

Bowen assured the public that the government is “ready to deal with the current challenges as effectively as possible.”

By Tamilla Hasanova