Australia urged residents to continue with their Easter holiday travel plans, even as hundreds of fuel stations, mostly in rural areas, remain offline due to mounting pressure on the nation’s energy supplies amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking to local media, Chris Bowen emphasized the importance of Easter as a “special religious and family occasion,” encouraging citizens not to postpone their plans. He also advised motorists against overstocking fuel, saying, “Do not buy more fuel than you need.”
Australia, which imports roughly 90% of its fuel, is grappling with a supply crunch caused by the ongoing war involving Iran. The disruptions have led some travelers to cancel plans for the long holiday weekend, traditionally one of the country’s busiest travel periods.
Despite the shortages, the government reported that national reserves remain relatively stable: gasoline stocks can cover 39 days, diesel 29 days, and aviation fuel 30 days.
Anthony Albanese issued a rare national address warning that economic shocks from the Middle East conflict could persist for months. He urged citizens to rely more on public transport to alleviate pressure on fuel supplies.
Most affected stations, 312 out of approximately 8,000 nationwide, are concentrated in rural regions, where restocking takes longer. The Ministry of Energy confirmed that efforts to restore fuel delivery are ongoing.
The crisis underscores Australia’s vulnerability to international energy disruptions, highlighting the challenges faced by import-dependent nations when global supply chains are threatened.
Follow the latest news on Google News
