breaking

Fuel crisis Australia: Anthony Albanese says hoarding fuel ‘not the Australian way’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asked Australians to ‘act responsibly and not hoard fuel saying it ‘wasn’t the Australian way’ as he announced new measures to secure more fuel for the country.

Joe Spagnolo
The Nightly
John Blackburn has warned we're yet to experience the full weight of the shortage.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asked Australians to “act responsibly” and not hoard fuel, saying it “wasn’t the Australian way” as he announced new measures to secure more fuel for the country.

Speaking in Sydney, Mr Albanese said he would introduce new powers into the Federal Parliament which would see the government underwrite the cost of private companies securing additional fuel on the international market.

The Government will introduce amendments to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act, formalising the Commonwealth’s ability to underwrite additional cargoes and other reserves as needed.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Export Finance Australia would be allowed to enter into contracts of insurance or indemnity, give guarantees, make loans or enter arrangements with private companies who sough to secure fuel from international markets.

Australia has a 39-day supply of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel.

Even so, the Prime Minister said he was gobsmacked by reports that people were panic buying and purchasing far more fuel than they need.

“That’s not the Australian way,” he said.

“People need to take what they need and no more.

“We need to learn from the lessons of COVID.

“I don’t want things to be mandated.

“Common sense should apply.”

Comments

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 27-03-2026

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 27 March 202627 March 2026

‘Not great’: Trump singles out Australia’s lack of support.