The simple change Opposition leader Angus Taylor is demanding – with Aussies expected to feel effects of the Iran war for months despite ceasefire
The Coalition is demanding greater transparency from the Albanese Government on Australia’s fuel security, warning that the public remains largely in the dark about local fuel availability.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has called for a real‑time, publicly accessible dashboard to give households and businesses clear updates on national fuel and energy supplies.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen revealed to reporters on Wednesday that Australia currently holds about 39 days’ worth of petrol and about 30 days of diesel and jet fuel.
The Coalition is also pursuing bipartisan support for a Senate Select Committee to scrutinise how the Iran conflict is impacting supply chains and placing renewed pressure on Australia’s fuel stocks.
Although a ceasefire in the Middle East has paused fighting, it has also underscored just how exposed Australia is to shocks in global fuel markets.
The Strait of Hormuz may be open, but the Opposition warns disruptions are far from over and the effects have yet to fully filter through. The six weeks of turmoil are expected to continue to linger on fuel distribution and the Australian economy.
Large parts of the oil infrastructure in the Gulf has been blown up and could take years to rebuild. Market analysts predict supply conditions will remain tight in Australia, leaving consumers vulnerable in the near‑term.
National Australia Bank chief economist Sally Auld cautioned that even if the Middle East conflict ends quickly, the economic pain will last for months.
The Opposition has called for the government to create a real time fuel data dashboard
Fuel shipments and prices are expected to remain volatile for months
‘The longer the conflict drags on, the larger the impact on the local economy,’ she said.
‘Even if the conflict is resolved quickly, the impact will linger for a number of months. A return to pre‑conflict oil volumes and prices will not happen rapidly, meaning the conflict is likely to have a long tail in terms of its impact on the domestic economy.’
The Coalition says Australians are still lacking basic information about fuel stocks, reserve levels and how long supply pressures are likely to last.
While prices at the bowser have already climbed, public reporting on the risk of deeper shortages remains scarce.
Taylor’s proposed fuel dashboard would publish daily, nationwide data showing how many stations in each state and territory are facing shortages, broken down by those without diesel, unleaded petrol or with no fuel left at all.
It would also provide rolling updates on national bulk fuel reserves, including volumes held at major terminals and by distributors and wholesalers, as well as daily rates of stock depletion.
Currently, the Government offers fuel market updates mostly through media conferences, with Minister Bowen delivering weekly summaries in person.
The Coalition wants these figures reported every day, especially the estimated number of days of diesel, jet fuel and petrol remaining.
Impacts from the conflict will continue to be felt despite the two-week ceasefire being called
The Opposition argues more frequent reporting is essential during global instability.
Taylor’s plan also calls for real‑time tracking of fuel imports, with details on inbound shipments and alerts when deliveries risk being diverted to overseas markets as other countries prioritise their own supplies.
Available storage capacity would likewise be updated daily, highlighting where extra imports could be absorbed or where smaller suppliers might gain access to storage.
The Coalition maintains that greater visibility would help businesses, industry and ordinary Australians to better plan for supply chain shocks, and strengthen national resilience as global uncertainty continues.
