Photo: Getty ImagesNew fuel security powers allowing the Australian Government to underwrite private sector purchases have been announced to ensure supply flows. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says parliament will on Monday consider measures that will support private companies purchasing shiploads of fuel as prices continue to increase due to shortages caused by the Iran war. This would involve using public funds to underwrite private companies in order to buy additional petrol or diesel for Australia. Six out of 81 fuel cargo ships scheduled to arrive in Australia in April cancelled their arrivals but these have been replaced by others. The trend was even more pronounced in regional Australia, where diesel prices averaged A307.6 cents per litre, a A28.6 cent weekly jump.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 28, 2026 02:38 UTC