Hundreds of petrol stations across New South Wales and other parts of Australia have run out of either gasoline or diesel, even as government officials insist the country has sufficient fuel supplies.
Local media reported on Tuesday that 165 stations in New South Wales were out of diesel, while 298 lacked at least one type of petrol, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. The shortages have emerged as motorists rush to stock up amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed to parliament that multiple states were experiencing fuel supply disruptions. He said the government was easing fuel standards to boost diesel availability.
The six-month adjustment lowers diesel’s flashpoint requirement slightly, allowing domestic refineries and overseas suppliers to increase production and supply to the Australian market.
Bowen also announced the creation of a fuel supply task force to prioritise deliveries, particularly to rural communities. Meanwhile, the government has released fuel from its reserves and maintains around 30 days of diesel storage.
Speaking in Canberra, Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency described the reserves as solid, while urging conservation measures such as remote work, reduced travel and lower speed limits.
Resources Minister Madeleine King said Australia remained well supplied overall but warned that global crude supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict could still create challenges.