According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, on March 19, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the establishment of a National Fuel Supply Taskforce to address the oil crisis triggered by the Middle East situation. On the same day, after holding a National Cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders, Albanese announced the formation of the National Fuel Supply Taskforce. He appointed Anthea Harris, former CEO of the Climate Change Authority, as its head, responsible for coordinating efforts between the federal government and state and territory governments in ensuring fuel supply and enhancing national resilience. State and territory leaders will also appoint representatives to collaborate with Harris. The taskforce will operate under the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Reports indicate that military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran have disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant fluctuations in the international energy market. Additionally, recent attacks on the world’s largest natural gas field, shared by Iran and Qatar, have further driven up global oil prices. Data released by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission shows that fuel prices in Australia’s five major capital cities rose overall last week.

Albanese stated that the current fuel shortages in remote towns are due to increased demand rather than supply issues. "Australia’s current fuel supply is no lower than it was three weeks ago," he emphasized. He noted that establishing the taskforce is a prudent measure in the face of global uncertainties and stressed that the government’s goal is to ensure Australia is well-prepared, while urging the public not to engage in panic buying of fuel. (Zhu Yixuan)