Australians told to continue Easter travel plans despite fuel shortages

Australia’s energy minister, Chris Bowen, urged citizens to proceed with their Easter travel arrangements despite widespread fuel shortages affecting hundreds of petrol stations nationwide. The minister emphasized the significance of the holiday season, stating:

“Easter is a very special time of faith and family. Go take a break—but get no more fuel than you need.”

Fuel prices in Australia have spiked since the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensified, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial oil and gas transport route. Over 312 of the country’s approximately 8,000 fuel stations have reported diesel shortages, primarily in rural regions where restocking takes longer. Bowen also noted the nation’s reserves, explaining that it holds 39 days of petrol, 29 days of diesel, and 30 days of jet fuel. This highlights the temporary nature of the crisis, even as supply chains face strain.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the issue in a televised speech, warning of prolonged economic effects from the Middle East turmoil.

“Australia isn’t directly involved in this war, but all Australians are experiencing higher fuel costs because of it,”

he said, urging people to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and prioritize public transportation.

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas, has seen near-complete shutdowns of international shipping due to attacks on vessels. However, some traffic has resumed. On Friday, a Malta-flagged ship operated by French company CMA CGM navigated the waterway, marking the first time a major Western European firm’s vessel crossed since the conflict began on 28 February. Details about its safe passage remain unclear.

Japan’s natural gas carrier also successfully transited the strait, as confirmed by its operator. Meanwhile, Turkey’s transport minister reported that a second Turkish-flagged vessel had crossed the channel, joining 15 others waiting to transit since hostilities began. The first of these ships did so with Iranian approval on 13 March. “Two of these 15 made the crossing,” said Abdulkadir Uraloglu, explaining that the vessels either used Iranian ports or carried goods linked to the region.

About a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Though traffic is down 95% compared to pre-conflict levels, the waterway has not fully halted operations. Data from late March shows around 100 ships have managed to traverse the strait, offering a glimmer of hope amid ongoing disruptions.