"    Energy Minister Chris Bowen has urged drivers not to panic-buy fuel, despite Australia holding barely half the oil reserve it is obliged to have in case of a global emergency.

    As long queues formed at petrol stations across the country, Bowen insisted Australia had ample supplies to handle the fallout from the Iran conflict, with a little over a month’s worth of petrol, diesel and jet fuel, based on normal consumption patterns, in addition to what is in service stations and vehicle fuel tanks."

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/panic-buying-risks-petrol-supply-crunch-bowen-warns-20260303-p5o6ye

He wants to play the "not my fault" card, because ...?

BTW - I guess the solar proponents who insist that they cover the Sahara in solar panels have a backup plan?

MEDIA RELEASE
Maritime Union Of Australia.
AUSTRALIA’S FUEL INSECURITY EXPOSED BY GLOBAL CONFLICT

3 MARCH 2026

The Maritime Union of Australia warns that Australia’s fuel security crisis has been laid bare by escalating international conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.

This is not a distant geopolitical drama but a direct threat to Australian workers, families and industries. When a fifth of the world’s oil moves through a single maritime corridor and that corridor is shut by war, the consequences are immediate.

Australia is an energy exporting nation. It is indefensible that we cannot guarantee our own fuel supply. Fuel sovereignty is a national responsibility. The time for half measures has passed; decisive action is required now.

For decades, successive governments have allowed our domestic fuel capacity to be dismantled. Under the former Liberal–National Coalition government in particular, Australia’s strategic fuel reserves were effectively offshored, with public money spent storing fuel overseas rather than building sovereign stockpiles at home. At the same time, refinery after refinery closed. Despite once being a nation capable of refining and transporting own fuel, Australia has been reduced to being a price-taker in a volatile global market.

Today, Australia imports the overwhelming majority of its refined petrol and diesel. We rely on foreign refineries, foreign-owned tankers and shipping lanes that run through contested waters. Our fuel security buffer remains dangerously thin and for years fell short of the 90 day minimum stockholding obligation set by the International Energy Agency.

Fuel sovereignty is not an abstract policy debate. Diesel powers freight, agriculture, mining and construction. Petrol keeps essential workers moving. Aviation fuel connects our cities and regions. Without secure and accessible supplies, supermarket shelves will wind up bare, transport will grind to a halt, regional communities will be cut off and emergency services will be compromised. Running out of imported fuel during a global supply shock would not just drive up prices, it would stall the economy and threaten our entire economy.

“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the recent attacks on Iran is a stark warning of the volatility of Australia’s access to global fuel supply chains,” said the MUA’s National Secretary Jake Field.

“We mustn’t gamble our economic stability on uninterrupted access to foreign fuel markets. We cannot assume that geopolitical tensions will always resolve before our reserves run dry,” Mr Field added.

The Maritime Union of Australia calls on the Federal Government to act decisively and urgently.

The Union says that Australia must rebuild its sovereign fuel storage capacity onshore and maintain reserves that comfortably exceed international minimums and that we must protect and expand domestic refining capability to reduce reliance on imported finished fuels.

“We must realise the commitment of an Australian flagged and crewed strategic shipping capability that can guarantee delivery of essential energy supplies in times of crisis. Fuel security must be recognised as a pillar of national security, economic policy and social stability,” said Mr Field.

ENDS

whiteknight wrote on Mar 4^th, 2026 at 5:23pm:

MEDIA RELEASE Maritime Union Of Australia. AUSTRALIA’S FUEL INSECURITY EXPOSED BY GLOBAL CONFLICT 3 MARCH 2026 The Maritime Union of Australia warns that Australia’s fuel security crisis has been laid bare by escalating international conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. This is not a distant geopolitical drama but a direct threat to Australian workers, families and industries. When a fifth of the world’s oil moves through a single maritime corridor and that corridor is shut by war, the consequences are immediate. Australia is an energy exporting nation. It is indefensible that we cannot guarantee our own fuel supply. Fuel sovereignty is a national responsibility. The time for half measures has passed; decisive action is required now. For decades, successive governments have allowed our domestic fuel capacity to be dismantled. Under the former Liberal–National Coalition government in particular, Australia’s strategic fuel reserves were effectively offshored, with public money spent storing fuel overseas rather than building sovereign stockpiles at home. At the same time, refinery after refinery closed. Despite once being a nation capable of refining and transporting own fuel, Australia has been reduced to being a price-taker in a volatile global market. Today, Australia imports the overwhelming majority of its refined petrol and diesel. We rely on foreign refineries, foreign-owned tankers and shipping lanes that run through contested waters. Our fuel security buffer remains dangerously thin and for years fell short of the 90 day minimum stockholding obligation set by the International Energy Agency. Fuel sovereignty is not an abstract policy debate. Diesel powers freight, agriculture, mining and construction. Petrol keeps essential workers moving. Aviation fuel connects our cities and regions. Without secure and accessible supplies, supermarket shelves will wind up bare, transport will grind to a halt, regional communities will be cut off and emergency services will be compromised. Running out of imported fuel during a global supply shock would not just drive up prices, it would stall the economy and threaten our entire economy. “The closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the recent attacks on Iran is a stark warning of the volatility of Australia’s access to global fuel supply chains,” said the MUA’s National Secretary Jake Field. “We mustn’t gamble our economic stability on uninterrupted access to foreign fuel markets. We cannot assume that geopolitical tensions will always resolve before our reserves run dry,” Mr Field added. The Maritime Union of Australia calls on the Federal Government to act decisively and urgently. The Union says that Australia must rebuild its sovereign fuel storage capacity onshore and maintain reserves that comfortably exceed international minimums and that we must protect and expand domestic refining capability to reduce reliance on imported finished fuels. “We must realise the commitment of an Australian flagged and crewed strategic shipping capability that can guarantee delivery of essential energy supplies in times of crisis. Fuel security must be recognised as a pillar of national security, economic policy and social stability,” said Mr Field. ENDS

For once I agree with the union.

We should have our own totally self sufficient energy supply - oil, gas, nuclear and coal.

You don't need to invade Australia, you just need to cut off Singapore, Korea and Japan.


But who would do that, eh?  Not our chinky poo  friends, shurely. Tsk, tsk  ::) ::)

In 2020 Australia had 81 days reserve.

"The latest Australian Petroleum Statistics showed Australia had as much as 81 days' worth of oil reserves at the end of February."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-24/explainer3a-australia27s-oil-purchase/12177060

"Australia has over 30 days of fuel reserves, highest in more than a decade"

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/australia-tells-consumers-no-need-panic-buy-petrol-over-iran-war-stocks-high-2026-03-03/

In January it was 28 days.

Fuel is fuel, whether petrol, diesel or jet fuel.

Of course he may not be aware of that. So IF he meant them separately that would be 102 days of fuel reserves, up from 81 in 2020. That is not that significant. ::)

I don’t understand the problem.  Angus Taylor has zillions of litres of oil in a bunker in the USA.  Should be a breeze getting it here.  We know Angus would have done all the groundwork in case we needed it.   Thank the Lord the Adults were in Charge

Vic wrote on Mar 4^th, 2026 at 6:19pm:

Should be a breeze getting it here.

Weill it wouldn't be coming via the Straits of Hormuz, would it. ;)

There's already panic buying of petrol in the UK.

Queues spotted at UK petrol stations amid fuel price hike fears - 'fill up now'


Quote:

Fuel stations are descending into chaos over fears that petrol and diesel costs could staggeringly rise.

And... there's nothing like a huge front page story in today's The West Australian to get Perth motorists panic buying petrol (and also buying lots of newspapers, of course).

It said petrol could be as much as $2.07 a litre today although I noticed the Shell service station near Belmont Forum was still about $1.75 a litre this morning.

Glad I got rid of my car 6 months ago.  :)

Now, I'd better check and see how much toilet paper I have.  ::)

---

Vic wrote on Mar 4^th, 2026 at 6:19pm:

I don’t understand the problem.  Angus Taylor has zillions of litres of oil in a bunker in the USA.  Should be a breeze getting it here.  We know Angus would have done all the groundwork in case we needed it.   Thank the Lord the Adults were in Charge

Oh dear, was he the one behind one of the worst decisions ever made by an Australian government?

We not only paid for that petroleum but also entered into along term costly lease to have our emergency fuel reserves stored on the other side of the pacific in what is now an increasingly hostile to Australia country!

“ 'Fantastic. Great move. Well done Angus'”

Quote Angus.

No wonder voters are leaving the LNP in droves!

"Energy Minister Chris Bowen has urged drivers not to panic-buy fuel"

Well - that'll start the gold rush..... and I hear toilet paper is streaking off the shelves again... WTF is this obsession with toilet paper?

We are truly governed by idiots.

I wasn’t overly concerned until I heard both old Airbus and blackout saying everything was fine and no need to worry.

Now  I am worried and will be filling up the car daily as well as filling up my jerrycans.

I am now definitely going grocery shopping as well.

The moment an Australian politician tells you anything you immediately need to take notice, understand that they are lies and do the exact opposite to protect  yourself and family and friends.

The reason for the stoppage of tankers through strait of Hormuz is not mines or threat of attack, but because the insurance companies have cancelled the cover for any ship making the transit. This is because new EU regulations require vast cash reserves to be held by companies to cover every possible loss, which these companies don't have.  Fortunately the US government has offered reasonably priced insurance and navy escorts for all ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, so the fuel should be flowing again fairly soon.   

https://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/usiran-war-live-updates/live-coverage/62ed6de377da8ed246c979c02058402a

“ US-Iran war live updates: ‘Large explosion’, oil spill off Kuwait after tanker hit

A commercial tanker has been hit with oil spilling everywhere in the Middle East hot zone, confirming analysts worst fears about trade routes and collateral damage.”



Yes,  nothing to see here. Carry on ….

Daves2017 wrote on Mar 5^th, 2026 at 2:32pm:

https://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/usiran-war-live-updates/live-coverage/62ed6de377da8ed246c979c02058402a “ US-Iran war live updates: ‘Large explosion’, oil spill off Kuwait after tanker hit A commercial tanker has been hit with oil spilling everywhere in the Middle East hot zone, confirming analysts worst fears about trade routes and collateral damage.” Yes,  nothing to see here. Carry on ….

War is peace.

Didnt 3 out the five oil refineries we had close under LNP ?

Wasn't the war on fossil fuels started by the left?

lee wrote on Mar 5^th, 2026 at 5:30pm:

Wasn't the war on fossil fuels started by the left?

LNP never again wrote on Mar 5^th, 2026 at 5:16pm:

Didnt 3 out the five oil refineries we had close under LNP ?

Does it make and difference who to point the finger at - fact is we once produced and refined our own petrol and now we don't. Absolute incompetance. We made ourselves a joke who ever is more responsible.

Dnarever wrote on Mar 5^th, 2026 at 6:10pm:

Does it make and difference who to point the finger at - fact is we once produced and refined our own petrol and now we don't. Absolute incompetance. We made ourselves a joke who ever is more responsible.

That's what happens when you put impediments in the front of producers. Whether it is fossil fuel, agrarian, mining whatever.

Turns out it was 4 refineries closed under Libs not three , how could libtards let this happen ?

++
LNP never again wrote on Mar 7^th, 2026 at 3:52pm:

Turns out it was 4 refineries closed under Libs not three , how could libtards let this happen ?

Listened to Greta.



The Iranins are IMPLEMENTING The Greens' policy of JUST STOP OIL. :D :D :D


https://media.greenmatters.com/brand-img/X1xYyui7Z/0x0/who-owns-just-stop-oil-1668185196075.jpg

Frank , did 4 close under libtards ? Yes , yes they did

LNP never again wrote on Mar 7^th, 2026 at 5:06pm:

Frank , did 4 close under libtards ? Yes , yes they did

What IS the difference between Labor and the Libs?

Uniparty.

Same shite.

Turnbull was the best Labor PM since Hawke.

The most important take aways is -

What ever the Australian government says via their politicians do the exact opposite.

Buy petroleum NOW!

Fill your pantry with canned goods and long lasting food.

When trump says it will be all over in several months?


I’m thinking several years and then they run home defeated just like Afghan conflict

Frank wrote on Mar 7^th, 2026 at 6:51pm:

LNP never again wrote on Mar 7th, 2026 at 5:06pm: Frank , did 4 close under libtards ? Yes , yes they did What IS the difference between Labor and the Libs? Uniparty. Same shite. Turnbull was the best Labor PM since Hawke. Hawke was a drunk but aside that I agree Turnbull was a fantastic politician and leader of the country. I feel he had very centrist views which is exactly what I look for in a politician

Daves2017 wrote on Mar 7^th, 2026 at 7:07pm:

Frank wrote on Mar 7th, 2026 at 6:51pm: LNP never again wrote on Mar 7th, 2026 at 5:06pm: Frank , did 4 close under libtards ? Yes , yes they did What IS the difference between Labor and the Libs? Uniparty. Same shite. Turnbull was the best Labor PM since Hawke. Hawke was a drunk but aside that I agree Turnbull was a fantastic politician and leader of the country. I feel he had very centrist views which is exactly what I look for in a politician

Turnbull was a lefty hardly a true conservative/Liberal.

He was self serving & for his mates.

Hid all his money in offshore tax havens - represented Goldman Sachs in Australia at one point.

Gnads wrote on Mar 8^th, 2026 at 1:19pm:

Hid all his money in offshore tax havens - represented Goldman Sachs in Australia at one point.

You know Australia has Double Tax Agreements with the offshore tax havens? No way to hide the money.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/on-the-road/servos-run-out-major-warning-as-fuel-supply-runs-dry-across-regional-australia/news-story/7dc3ba71bfcd23aee6ce002bc2d00b62

“ Fuel crisis: Regional NSW, Qld stations running out of petrol

Regional towns are running dry, and a warning has been issued that “Australia is on its knees” because of the conflict in the Middle East.”

Now would be the time to access our emergency fuel supply that Angus Taylor organised be stored in the USA .

Great work Angus. Well done!

Not to worry.

Front page of today's The West Australian.

Once our spineless politicians get us involved in yet another pointless and probably unwinnable war then it will provide a great distraction from things like fuel prices, fuel availability, stock market crashes, peoples' superannuation getting wiped out, grocery prices, housing, rent, etc., etc..

It will also have the additional 'bonus' distraction for the pollies of keeping the population in a constant state of fear wondering if/when/where the next 9/11 will occur (some people are saying it's only a matter of time now).

And, it's been said many, many times but isn't it funny how there's never enough money for things like health, hospitals and housing, etc. but there's always plenty of money available for wars.

Disgraceful (and scary) stuff.

---

The Left have obliged Europe & Asia to bleed USA & Australia, because Europe & Asia are Lefty regions.

Trump has stopped the rot in the USA currently.
But you can see how Australia has been made redundant and dependable upon Europe & Asia - still under Lefty ALP control.
After 50 years - it has come to this.

I see Penny wants us to protect the Gulf States. She coyly hasn't advised on which side. ;)

lee wrote on Mar 8^th, 2026 at 1:43pm:

Gnads wrote on Mar 8th, 2026 at 1:19pm: Hid all his money in offshore tax havens - represented Goldman Sachs in Australia at one point. You know Australia has Double Tax Agreements with the offshore tax havens? No way to hide the money.

So how does that work?

And if that's the case & the money cannot be hidden why put it there in the first place?

lee wrote on Mar 9^th, 2026 at 1:10pm:

I see Penny wants us to protect the Gulf States. She coyly hasn't advised on which side. ;)

The Gulf States - the ones that covertly support & harbour terrorist groups leaders?

The ones who are part of OPEC & who dictate the price of oil - therefore affecting fuel costs & supply to dumbass countries like ours that signed up to the world parity pricing BS and has closed most of it's own refineries?

Gnads wrote on Mar 9^th, 2026 at 5:10pm:

So how does that work?

When a tax return goes in they put in foreign income. That can be chaecked at source.

It is sometimes easier to move money around overseas banks.

you want to buy shares in USA, have an account you can operate there. It could be Bank of Hong Kong.

lee wrote on Mar 9^th, 2026 at 5:15pm:

Gnads wrote on Mar 9th, 2026 at 5:10pm: So how does that work? When a tax return goes in they put in foreign income. That can be chaecked at source. It is sometimes easier to move money around overseas banks. you want to buy shares in USA, have an account you can operate there. It could be Bank of Hong Kong.

I prefer KL personally but it’s horses for courses.

You can  board a plane out of Australia with $9999 cash in your pocket and  ( for now) the Australian government can’t do anything to stop you.

I definitely don’t want my major savings in Australia.

The tax’s are farcical.