PM to deliver rare national address as fuel crisis deepens

PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese will deliver a rare address to the nation tonight, as the federal government moves to respond to escalating conflict in the Middle East and mounting pressure on Australia’s fuel supplies.

The address, scheduled for 7pm AEDT, will be broadcast simultaneously across all major television and radio networks in an extraordinary move that underscores the seriousness of the situation.

It is highly unusual for an Australian prime minister to take to prime time in this format, with such national addresses typically reserved for moments of significant consequence, including economic crises, global conflict and major turning points.

The most recent comparable address came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when former prime minister Scott Morrison spoke directly to Australians in March 2020. Kevin Rudd also delivered a national address in 2008 as the global financial crisis unfolded.

According to reports, Mr Albanese is expected to outline the government’s response to the unfolding crisis and urge Australians to “play their part” by conserving fuel, prioritising supply for critical industries and regions.

It is understood federal ministers have already begun limiting their travel.

The address comes as fuel shortages continue to emerge across parts of the country, despite repeated government assurances that overall supply remains secure.

More than 400 service stations across Australia’s eastern states were without diesel on Wednesday, including 247 in New South Wales, 82 in Victoria and 77 in Queensland.

CRISIS RESPONSE

Australia is currently operating under level two of a four-stage national fuel emergency response framework, with the government maintaining that supply levels remain stable despite surging demand driving price increases.

Speaking to Labor caucus on Tuesday, Mr Albanese said the government was focused on maintaining supply and avoiding more drastic measures.

“We have been concentrating on supply, supply, supply,” he said.

“People are doing it tough. There is uncertainty over the war and uncertainty over how it ends.

“This is causing understandable anxiety.”

Fuel rationing remains a possibility if conditions deteriorate, with such measures expected to be considered under level four of the national plan.

FUEL RESERVES

Analysis revealed by the ABC this week indicates fuel rationing could be triggered if national reserves fall to around 10 days of supply.

Australia is currently estimated to hold about 39 days of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel.

The government has already moved to bolster supply, releasing six days’ worth of petrol and five days’ worth of diesel from emergency reserves, directing the fuel toward regions already experiencing shortages.

FUEL TAX CUT

In a bid to ease pressure on motorists, the federal government this week halved the fuel excise and reduced the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for three months.

The $2.5 billion package, which took effect on Wednesday, is expected to cut petrol and diesel prices by 26.3 cents per litre.

That equates to a saving of about $10.50 on a 40-litre tank, or roughly $21 for an 80-litre tank.

However, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned the full benefit will not be immediate.

“The fuel in the tanks right now has been purchased at the higher rate, and so people should expect it would take somewhere between maybe one and two weeks for the full benefit of the excise to flow through,” he said.

“I want to manage expectations on that front, because people shouldn’t rock up at five past midnight tonight and expect to see the full benefit passed on.”