Fuel rationing: Will limits be introduced for Australian motorists? Petrol, diesel supply ‘secure’ into May

The Federal Government has attempted to bring calm to Aussies as fuel supply remains a major issue, with new fears growing that rationing is just days away. Here’s what we know.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Monday said that the country’s fuel supply, which is heavily dependent on other countries, is secure for April and into May. However, the guarantee of a secure supply beyond that point has not yet been confirmed.

Australia imports the majority of fuel from nearby Asian neighbours, most prominently from South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.

Ships carrying fuel also move at a very slow pace, usually around 13 - 17 knots, something that is similar to a bicycle’s standard pace, moving around 20km/h.

Australia usually secures supplies around 30 days in advance.

With the trip taking 10 to 20 days, depending on exact speed and journey length from an Asian port to an Australian import terminal, the impact on petrol and diesel was never going to be immediate. With the US-Iran war now in its 39th day, a potential crunch point is closer than ever.

Experts are beginning to sound the alarm that if the war is not resolved within days, fuel rationing will be needed.

Even if a ceasefire is agreed to, the supply chain has been severely impacted and will need to play catch-up to return to pre-war levels.

Some countries may attempt to increase their fuel stocks to prevent shortages if conflict in the Middle East escalates again.

What the Albanese Government is saying

Michelle Rowland spoke to Sunrise on Tuesday and attempted to shut down speculation.

The Attorney-General said the Federal Government was “not considering” fuel rationing at this point.

“We are not considering that. We are focused on security of supply. Work is being done across industry and with international partners to ensure supply,” she said.

However, given the usually short lead time for securing fuel, the fact that the Albanese Government isn’t at rationing consideration yet may not fill Aussies with certainty.

Australia is at stage two of the national fuel security plan. An escalation to stage four would see rations introduced.

On Monday, according to the Energy Minister, Australia had a national supply of 39 days of petrol in reserve, 29 days of diesel and 29 days of jet fuel.

“Even if the Strait of Hormuz opens tomorrow, there’s going to be impacts for quite a while for the world to recover,” he told Seven’s Sunrise.

“There’s been gas fields and production facilities bombed. They take five years to rebuild, for example. So there’s going to be some impact.”

Adding to the uncertainty is US President Donald Trump. His tactics in “negotiating” with Iran have left markets and world leaders unclear on when security will return.

Mr Trump’s latest deadline, the most extreme of any he has publicly aired throughout the war, given Tehran until 8pm ET on Tuesday before he says the US would decimated energy facilities and bridges across Iran.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” he posted on his Truth social platform.

“There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F...in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Iran has vowed not to bow to Mr Trump’s demands, including reports it has rejected the latest peace deal which could have seen a 45 day ceasefire.

Australian fuel supply numbers

On Easter Monday, across Australia fuel supply numbers had improved slightly since Good Friday.

NSW: 142 stations without diesel, 39 with no fuel.

VIC: 51 without diesel, 30 with no petrol.

QLD: 38 stations without diesel, 32 without unleaded.

WA: 19 stations with no diesel, 29 without unleaded.

SA: Nine stations without diesel, five without unleaded.

TAS: Seven with no diesel, seven with no unleaded.

NT: Four with no diesel, four with no unleaded.

ACT: Four stations with no diesel, two without unleaded.

New figures will be released later on Tuesday as the Albanese Government desperately attempts to convince the Australian public that supply, at least for now, is secure.