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Government encourages Easter travel amid fuel shortages
Australian authorities have advised citizens to proceed with their Easter holiday plans, despite fuel shortages affecting hundreds of petrol stations nationwide. Energy Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged the disruptions but urged motorists to avoid hoarding fuel.
Fuel reserves and supply challenges
As of Saturday, 312 of Australia's approximately 8,000 service stations-primarily in rural areas-had run out of diesel. The government reported national reserves of 39 days' worth of petrol, 29 days of diesel, and 30 days of jet fuel. Australia imports around 90% of its fuel from the Middle East, leaving it vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Global shipping crisis impacts fuel prices
Fuel prices in Australia have surged since the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. The waterway typically handles about 20% of the world's oil and natural gas, but traffic has plummeted by 95% since late February.
"Australia is not an active participant in this war. But all Australians are paying higher prices because of it," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a national address on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Limited shipping activity resumes
Despite the ongoing conflict, a handful of vessels have recently traversed the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday, a Malta-flagged container ship owned by French firm CMA CGM became the first major Western European vessel to pass through since the crisis began. A Japanese natural gas carrier also successfully crossed, its operator confirmed.
Turkey's Transport Minister, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, announced on Saturday that a second Turkish-flagged vessel had completed the journey, one of 15 awaiting transit. The first Turkish ship crossed on 13 March with Iranian permission, citing trade ties with Iran as a factor in securing safe passage.
Economic and conservation measures
Prime Minister Albanese warned that the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict would persist for months. He called on Australians to reduce non-essential fuel use and opt for public transport where possible. Energy Minister Bowen echoed this sentiment, advising travelers to take breaks but limit fuel purchases to immediate needs.
Outlook and uncertainties
While Iran has stated that "non-hostile vessels" may use the Strait of Hormuz, ongoing attacks on ships have deterred most commercial traffic. Analysts note that around 100 vessels have managed to pass through since late March, but the situation remains volatile. The long-term impact on global fuel supplies and prices remains unclear.
