Energy Minister Chris Bowen has warned of “bumps” to Australia’s fuel supply, with fears the price of petrol and diesel may reach $4 a litre.
The Labor MP revealed over the weekend that six oil tankers scheduled to arrive between mid-April and mid-May had to be cancelled or deferred.
But some have already been replaced by importers and refiners with other sources.
“That gives us some context of what we are dealing with, that’s not to say it isn’t a very challenged environment internationally, and of course the flow of oil to Asian refineries has slowed, and that has downward impacts on us,” Mr Bowen told told ABC’s Insiders.
He also said the federal government remains confident fuel tankers will continue to arrive to Australian shores, despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese already on the phone to his Asian counterparts.
Australia relies heavily on its Asian neighbours for petrol, diesel and jet fuel.
But the likes of Thailand and China have already started banning fuel exports, prioritising their own supplies, adding to fears that Australia’s stockpile could be impacted.
According to the federal government, there are 38 days worth of petrol and 30 days of diesel and jet fuel supplies.
In the meantime, Mr Bowen suggested people who can work from home to do so amid shortage fears and sustained demand that has seen petrol and diesel prices soar.
The Albanese government also could not rule out the cost of fuel soaring to $4 a litre and has urged the parties involved in the conflict to come to a solution.
See below for posts from our live blog earlier today.