Australia has moved to bolster its fuel and fertiliser reserves, with the federal government confirming it has secured an additional 200 million litres of diesel and begun new arrangements to strengthen fertiliser supply chains amid ongoing global volatility linked to conflict in the Middle East.
The latest measures, announced on Wednesday, come under the Albanese Government’s Strategic Reserve powers and build on earlier agreements with industry, taking the total additional diesel secured over the past week to about 300 million litres—equivalent to more than 1.8 million barrels.
The government has partnered with BP Australia and extended its existing arrangement with Viva Energy. Further negotiations are underway with suppliers including Ampol, Park Fuels and IOR to secure additional shipments in the coming weeks.
The measures are intended to ensure continuity of supply for transport, agriculture and critical industry sectors at a time of heightened uncertainty in global energy markets.
Alongside fuel security efforts, the government has also initiated work with fertiliser producers Incitec Pivot and CSBP to improve access for Australian farmers during the current and upcoming growing seasons. The package includes price risk support aimed at insulating importers from sharp international price fluctuations and helping ensure supply reaches the domestic market.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was focused on reducing the domestic impact of global instability. “As conflict in the Middle East and global volatility continues, we are working to shield Australians from the worst of the impacts,” he said, adding that securing fuel and fertiliser was essential to keeping “our people, our economy and our nation moving”.
Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell said the government was using its new reserve powers to prioritise supply to areas of greatest need. He said that securing about 300 million additional litres of diesel, alongside existing supply arrangements, would help maintain activity across key industries and regions affected by global pressures.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the arrangements were designed to reduce exposure to international disruptions. He noted that combined with contracted imports already arriving in Australia, the additional diesel would help maintain fuel availability for essential services and industry.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said fertiliser access remained critical to food production and regional food security. She described the initiative as a “significant outcome” for farmers, adding that government engagement with industry was aimed at supporting earlier delivery of fertiliser into the supply chain.
The government has indicated further work with industry partners will continue as it seeks to stabilise supply lines and direct essential resources where they are most needed, particularly in sectors vulnerable to global energy and commodity market disruptions.
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