Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday announced the formation of a national fuel security task force amid growing global uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The initiative is designed to ensure a stable and resilient fuel supply for the country, officials said.

Speaking after a meeting with state and territory leaders, Albanese reassured Australians that the country’s fuel supply remains secure, while emphasizing the importance of preparedness. “I want to assure Australians at this time that Australia is well prepared. Our fuel supply is currently secure, however I want us to be over prepared,” he said, urging citizens to use fuel responsibly and avoid stockpiling.

The Prime Minister announced that Anthea Harris, former CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and the Energy Security Board, will coordinate the task force at the federal level. Each state and territory is expected to appoint a similar coordinator to ensure consistent and effective management of fuel resources nationwide. Albanese stressed that the task force will facilitate coordination between federal, state, and territory authorities to strengthen supply chain resilience.

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The announcement comes shortly after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices by major fuel suppliers. The probe follows reports of diesel shortages affecting independent wholesalers and distributors servicing regional and rural areas, raising concerns about fair access to fuel.

Albanese had previously signaled new measures to protect Australians from the broader economic effects of the Middle East conflict. Speaking at an automotive industry event on Wednesday, he described the ongoing crisis as another “major shock to hit the global economy” in the 2020s, following disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Officials noted that the new task force, alongside ongoing regulatory oversight, aims to ensure that Australia’s fuel supply remains uninterrupted and resilient against international market fluctuations. Authorities continue to monitor fuel availability closely while coordinating with industry stakeholders to prevent shortages and maintain public confidence.

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