Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will deliver an address to the nation tonight, outlining the government’s response to the Middle East conflict and encouraging Australians to “play their part”.

He is expected to urge Australians to save fuel for areas and industries that “most need it”. 

The address will be simulcast on television and radio across Australia at 7pm AEDT. 

Iran war live updates: For the latest news on the Middle East conflict, read our blog.

The last prime minister to deliver a national address was Scott Morrison during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. 

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd also made a national address in 2008 in the throes of the global financial crisis, after he announced an economic package. 

Australia is currently at level two of a four-stage national fuel response plan, and the government has continued to assure the public supply levels remain steady, although demand has spiked prices. 

The government is not expected to publicly nominate a clear trigger point for fuel rationing, but it is an expected measure if the country reaches level four of the plan. 

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This week, the ABC revealed early government analysis assumed the national fuel reserve dropping to 10 days of supply would prompt fuel rationing. 

Australia currently has about 39 days’ worth of petrol, 30 days’ worth of diesel and 30 days’ worth of jet fuel in reserve. 

The government has already released six days’ worth of petrol from its emergency stockpile and five days’ worth of diesel in response to the crisis, which it said would flow to areas already experiencing shortages. 

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has also reduced the minimum fuel standards for a period of six months, allowing lower-quality petrol and diesel to remain in Australia rather than being shipped to countries with lower standards. 

On Monday, after a national cabinet meeting, the government halved the fuel excise and reduced the heavy road user charge to zero for a period of three months. 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has also confirmed the ATO has agreed to provide temporary relief to businesses unable to meet tax obligations due to fuel supply issues.

The tax office will establish a dedicated channel that businesses can use to access the relief.

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