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

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/121...

"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-...

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.

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



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

[quote author=bigvicfella link=1772605622/4#4 date=1772612399]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[/quote]


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!

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.

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

“ 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 ….

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

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


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


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.

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

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

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

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



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.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/on-the-road/servos-run-out-major-war...

“ 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!

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.

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



So how does that work?

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

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


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.

“Australian fuel standards eased

Alex Blair
Australia will temporarily ease fuel standards for the next two months to boost supply as Canberra attempts to deal with disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

The change is expected to add about 100 million litres of fuel a month, roughly equal to two extra days of supply.

Australia currently holds 36 days of petrol supply, 29 days of jet fuel and 32 days of diesel, well below the IEA expectation of 90 days of reserves for member countries.

Fuel with higher sulphur levels will be allowed back into the domestic market for 60 days rather than being exported.”

As labor has said repeatedly that there is no crisis I  must ask why there now approved the sale of environmentally damaging petroleum?

Only to overseas markets, because apparently there environmentally damage doesn’t effect the rest of the world???

The way he speaks about fuel he must be sniffing it....

LNP never again wrote on Mar 12^th, 2026 at 8:56pm:


They've never had a "reserve" policy.

And when asked if they help the situation by cutting the fuel excise of 51.6 cents per litre they said no.

They also get 10% GST on every litre sold so are collecting 61.6 cents a litre in excise & taxes.

It's absolutely ridiculous.

If they were fairdinkum they'd ease that excise rate.

But they're so far in debt they're raking in/raping the tax payer for all they're worth.

No govt should get anymore than 10c in the dollar in tax or excise.

The National Leader is an expert on climate issues.
I'm betting he's gonna kick Bowen's salesman arse.

Gnads wrote on Mar 13^th, 2026 at 1:54pm:



The Uniparty  -  Labor/Liberal turned us into a debtor nation
when we should be so wealthy that everyone should owe us money.
The result is enormous taxes that will never go away.

Vic wrote on Mar 13^th, 2026 at 3:49pm:


I’d like Anus to explain the mechanisms that would allow us to access our emergency 90 day supply he organised to be purchased and stored in Texas?

“ Fantastic. Great work Anal. Well done .”

I might even buy a newspaper if an Australian journalist was able to stop drinking long enough to do some basic research and write an informed article on it?

But let’s be honest, that will never happen?

Maybe someone on social media will explain it.

Probably a good excuse for qantas  to base their refueling in Singapore.
I know they are looking at replacing the old bitchy moles who they employ as hosties with young smiling energetic and much cheaper Thai Malay and Vietnamese staff.


Great move.

The old sacked fat unattractive hosties can go join Carl in the retirement home and bitch about qantas 24/7

Honestly - if I see or hear the expression "un-Australian" again I think I am going to puke.

In today's The West Australian, Chris Bowen describes hoarding fuel and trying to sell it online at inflated prices as "un-Australian".

Newsflash for you, Chris. This behaviour is "100% Australian" these days (as we saw with toilet paper 6 years ago) but I'm pretty sure you already know this.

And, we see it on a daily basis with grocery prices, house prices, rents, etc., etc..

"Me, me, me". "Gimme, gimme, gimme". "Greed, greed, greed". "I'm alright, Jack and stuff everyone else" is all people think about these days.

Mind you, because we're members of the animal kingdom the "survival of the fittest" urge takes over especially in a crisis so I guess it's not really our fault entirely even though we claim to be much more intelligent (which I doubt). Can't fight Mother Nature, I suppose?

It's taken me a long, long time (I've always gone through life looking for the best in people and believing everyone cares) but I've finally realised that when it comes to the crunch nobody gives a sh!t about anyone else but themselves.

This realisation has been reinforced for me during the past few years when I had to take care of my elderly aunt with little or no help from anyone else up until the time she went into Aged Care last July.

Disgraceful stuff.

Carl D wrote on Mar 14^th, 2026 at 10:12am:


So you are hoarding also? Me, I top up every fortnight.

Bowen doesn't know.      

It Bowen Therapy

Jasin wrote on Mar 14^th, 2026 at 5:04pm:



Bowen couldn't organise a chook raffle in a pub.    

Bobby. wrote on Mar 14^th, 2026 at 7:18pm:

But he could give you a Bowen Therapy Massage without actually touching you.
It's all in the Reiki.

Japan has innovated steam engines without the need for coal.

Ahh. That's it. You're right Sir Eoin.

Sir Eoin O Fada wrote on Mar 15^th, 2026 at 12:55pm:


Damn - you've been reading my WW IV series where the oil has dried up and steam engines are once again the vogue...

Addition:-  Kinda reminds you of 1942, doesn't it .. when the supply lines were stretched etc and such things as fuel were restricted - and then all that stood against loss of our nearest northern neighbour was the raw courage of 400 militia men.

I cannot believe we are being governed by such total fools.

Restore Australia Now!  (three word sound byte) ...

Sir Grappler Truth Teller OAM wrote on Mar 15^th, 2026 at 6:51pm:

Australia and even NZ have been scuttled to keep Europe and Asia afloat.

Of the 10 big Renewables Projects in Australia. 6 are fully foreign owned, the 7th is half owned by CHINA. Just 3 are Australian.

Not very 'efficient' on Australia's behalf is Bowen.
I really think he is definitely on the take.

Rememer.

Bowen is the poster boy for the Dunning Kruger effect.

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

Yeah, but would Donald release it if we asked??

Allowing the 10 major Renewables projects to be developed in Australia being owned by 6 overseas Companies and a 7th part owned by CHINA is a good example of his own UN-Australianism.

Hypocrite

https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/gas-giants-to-reap-bi...

“ Australia missed out on $63 billion in potential taxes from gas exports in just four years, new modelling suggests, as its fossil fuel “cartel” appears set to reap increased profits due to the Middle East crisis.”

“ news Ltd

Albo is considering it but first needs to understand that the initial decision to give our resources away for free by John Howard and the LNP has been paid off in full via brown paper  bags of  $100 notes to all the decision makers initially involved by the “ fuel cartel “.

Bowen tonight said that there will no fuel rationing in the near future.

Full up now. Rationing will most likely start midday tomorrow .

Bring the old era down! Bring it down.
Give the spoiled generation of now an adversity to challenge them.
Make way for a better future and world.

... pollution levels are dropping
Suck in the fresh air.

Is Bowen seeing this as an opportunity to rush in those foreign owned Renewable Projects as our saviour?

He performs like that Mayor of Amityville Island in Jaws.
Nothing to panic about folks! 

Cop Yer Whack Fer This!

lee wrote on Mar 23^rd, 2026 at 12:55pm:


Geez Lee - chill out!    The posting was meant to demonstrate that no matter how high or deep our thinking, decisions made and discarded, bureaus formed and unformed, clouds filled with data etc - at the moment if the little plank of Hormuz goes away - it all turns to custard.     I thought it a very good “cartoon"

Sir Grappler Truth Teller OAM wrote on Mar 25^th, 2026 at 7:34pm:




You mean they lied? Then or now? 

Vic wrote on Mar 26^th, 2026 at 5:38pm:

The price is high everywhere. It's the importers and wholesalers, not the retailers.

Why does Austalia depend on imported energy, FFS!!!  Imported from unreliable sources via unreliable routes!   *ucking madness.

Vic wrote on Mar 27^th, 2026 at 6:10am:


The law of unintended consequences in action.

Bowen is the poster boy for the Dunning Kruger effect.

As bright as a blown globes.

As useful as an ashtray on a sports motorcycle.

As competent as a dead cane toad.

And as self opinionated as any who have come before him.

All I can say is that his constituents must all be retarded.
I can imagine them wandering the streets, drooling, dragging their knuckles and lining up at centalink every day.

So if energy security is paramount, now, why has there been no attempt at approvals for liquid fuel extraction?

Daves2017 wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 2:18pm:



We're never told what's going on.
Albo pulled a figure of $20 billion out of his arse
to say that would be the cost per annum of maintaining a 90 day supply of fuel.
I don't believe that.

lee wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 4:10pm:



Yeah but I reckon Albo was talking cock and bull.   

lee wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 4:20pm:



Basically you need tanks farms to store the fuel.

You also have to use the older fuel first or it goes stale.

lee wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 4:25pm:



Albo and Bowen don't know.   

Daves2017 wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 10:03pm:



It's embarrassing -
a tiny island like Singapore with no natural resources -
that has better technology and industry than us -
we're a whole continent and we can't even use or refine enough of our own oil 
for our small population.

Front page of today's The West Australian.

Gee, what a surprise.

I'm sure if I'd bothered to read the whole story on pages 4 and 5 I would have seen some stupid pollie say it's "un-Australian" and/or "not the Australian way". 

I only get the Saturday paper for one of my elderly neighbours and I only have a quick look through it before I take it to her.

I'm not paying $4 for a Saturday "news"paper that is two thirds to three quarters full of ads - mostly Harvey Norman and Domayne ads, of course.

Carl D wrote on Apr 11^th, 2026 at 1:29pm:



And the ACCC will do………. Nothing

BREAKING: Motorists urged to cut floor out of cars and go full Flintstone to save fuel.