Pauline Hanson has called on the Albanese government to activate emergency powers under the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act and introduce temporary fuel rationing as shortages worsen across Australia. She argued that metropolitan areas should face restrictions first to ensure food, farming supplies and essential goods continue reaching regional communities.

Hanson said rural distributors are struggling to secure enough fuel, forcing some to choose between servicing councils or local towns. She questioned why prices remain high despite government assurances that supplies are available, and accused authorities of failing to maintain adequate national reserves and refinery capacity.

Supporting her concerns, Member of Parliament Barnaby Joyce said industry warnings about fragile regional fuel networks had been ignored and described new penalties for anti competitive behaviour as ineffective against global corporations. Hanson also rejected suggestions that working from home could ease demand, saying many essential workers cannot perform their jobs remotely.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged widespread diesel shortages across several states but said conditions had improved in some areas and insisted rationing was not being considered. Hanson, however, accused the government of downplaying the severity of the crisis and urged immediate action to prevent further disruption to regional communities.