- Western Australia has activated emergency powers after fuel companies failed to provide supply data.
- The war in the Middle East has caused record spikes in petrol and diesel prices.
- PM Anthony Albanese urged Australians to conserve fuel and avoid panic b
Western Australia has activated emergency powers to deal with the fuel crisis after fuel companies failed to provide critical supply data for a clearer picture of fuel availability in the state.
As the war in the Middle East has caused the biggest spike in petrol and diesel prices in history, Premier Roger Cook and the Labor Government will take immediate measures to compel the industry to provide information on how much fuel they have, where it is, and where it's going. "In some cases, we don't know where the fuel is," Cook said on Wednesday, according to local media reporters.
"Unfortunately, our efforts are being hindered by not having full visibility of the fuel supply chain," he added.
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The lack of transparency is causing disturbances in the state's fuel supply, said Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
Only half of the six fuel companies responded to the request, forcing the government to use its legal authority under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act 1972. These emergency orders begin this Thursday, and Parliament will be recalled on April 14 to officially present them.
The emergency powers will force fuel companies to share data on their supply chain. The detailed information on volume, delivery, and shipment is needed to make decisions on diverting fuel supplies to regional areas severely hit by scarcity.
On Wednesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a rare televised address to the nation, explaining that the ongoing war has caused a dramatic spike in fuel prices across the country.
"The war in the Middle East has caused the biggest spike in petrol and diesel prices in history. Australia is not an active participant in this war. But all Australians are paying higher prices because of it," he said. He added that the country has to deal with economic shocks caused by this war for months, even though it didn't participate.
Albanese called on consumers to avoid panic buying and conserve fuel to prevent a crisis. Addressing the nation, he stated, "Now, it's the Australian way that people want to do their bit – and there are simple ways that you can. You should go about your business and your life as normal. Enjoy your Easter. If you're hitting the road, don't take more fuel than you need – just fill up like you normally would."
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