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Fri, 27 Mar 2026

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 Panic buying prompts PM to reassure Australians over fuel supply

Anthony Albanese says nation's supply remains "secure" amid reports of panic buying and shortages.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has assured citizens that the country's fuel supply remains secure despite soaring prices and reports of panic buying. The government attributes shortages to demand and distribution issues, not a shortage of supply, which it claims is at pre-war levels. Energy Minister Chris Bowen stated that Australia's supply of petrol and diesel will remain unchanged or even increase in the coming weeks. However, independent garages are struggling to get fuel due to long-term contracts prioritized by oil companies, while people are stockpiling fuel in jerry cans, leading to shortages. In some areas, prices have risen sharply, with diesel reaching its highest ever price in Sydney. The government has announced plans to hold an emergency national cabinet meeting on Monday to address the crisis, but has ruled out rationing. It is also releasing oil from the national stockpile and lowering fuel standards to alleviate shortages.