The Labor government is facing mounting pressure over concerns that Australia could run out of fuel as the Middle East crisis drives up global oil prices. Motorists are already paying more at the petrol pump, and some regional towns have experienced shortages. When asked directly whether the country would run out of fuel, Health Minister Mark Butler did not provide a clear yes or no answer, instead pointing to increased stockpiles and recent legislative changes aimed at improving transparency around fuel reserves.

Butler said Australia currently holds more fuel than at any point in the past 15 years and noted that shipments are still arriving. He also referenced new laws designed to give the government better oversight of fuel stockholdings, while criticising the opposition for voting against the measures.

Meanwhile, Resources Minister Madeleine King is attending an energy security forum in Japan to discuss stabilising fuel supplies with international counterparts. As global oil prices surge amid fears of disruption in a key Middle Eastern shipping route, King acknowledged that a prolonged conflict would have broader economic consequences for Australia. The government has temporarily relaxed fuel quality standards to increase domestic supply, adding an extra 100 million litres per month to the market.