Australian politicians were allegedly told to avoid speaking publicly about the nation’s fragile fuel reserves as conflict in the Middle East disrupted global oil shipments. The fighting effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one fifth of the world’s oil and gas transport, raising fears that Australian petrol stations could run low on supplies within days.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen sought to calm concerns, saying fuel shipments were continuing and that national reserves remained secure. Industry Minister Tim Ayres stated that Australia holds weeks’ worth of petrol, diesel and jet fuel stored either onshore or within its exclusive economic zone.

However, former Deputy Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force John Blackburn warned that Australia’s fuel security has deteriorated over decades as domestic refining capacity has declined and reliance on imports has grown. He claimed leaders considered the issue politically sensitive and discouraged open discussion.

Fuel distributor Gretta Barton said the current strain is less about overall supply and more about distribution, with major oil companies halting deliveries to some independent distributors. She warned that prolonged disruptions could severely impact regional and agricultural communities, exposing the country’s vulnerability in refined fuel access.