Australia’s diesel stocks have risen to the equivalent of 34 days of consumption, up from 31 days a week earlier, according to a statement by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Saturday. The increase comes amid ongoing uncertainty in international fuel supply chains, including last‑day disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Bowen said the national reserve now holds 34 days of diesel and aviation fuel stocks stand at 29 days, a day higher than reported a week earlier.
In his press conference, Bowen highlighted that 43 ships are currently heading toward Australian ports carrying fuel, while the government has secured 3.1 billion liters of fuel for delivery over the next four weeks. This figure represents 100 million liters more than the amount secured in the previous week’s update.
Fuel Supply Remains Solid and Secure
Bowen stressed that despite the recent fires and explosions that claimed four oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, Australia’s fuel supply remains "solid and secure." He noted that the disruptions have heightened uncertainty in the region, reinforcing the need for a robust domestic stockpile and secure logistics.
The Australian government is collaborating closely with domestic refineries to ensure continued production, while also maintaining trade relationships with partners in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other regions. These partnerships aim to secure reliable fuel deliveries and mitigate the impact of regional disruptions on the national market.
Domestic Measures and International Coordination
Bowen detailed that the ministry is working on multiple fronts to safeguard Australia’s fuel infrastructure. Protocols with refineries have been adjusted to maximize output, and contingency plans for supply chain disruptions are being refined. The ministry is also engaging in dialogue with trading partners to facilitate alternative shipping routes and secure supply agreements.
The incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, where four oil tankers caught fire and exploded, have prompted a review of shipping routes that supply the Australian market. The government is evaluating options to keep fuel flowing while minimizing exposure to geopolitical tensions in critical waterways.
While the country has increased its diesel reserves to 34 days of consumption, the priority remains on maintaining a reliable supply for consumers, businesses, and critical service sectors. The Ministry of Climate Change and Energy has emphasized that the current levels of reserve and secured shipments provide a buffer against further supply shock.
Bowen closed by reaffirming Australia’s commitment to a secure supply chain in the face of global disruptions, underscoring the collaborative approach with refineries and international partners to keep fuel flowing into Australian ports.