Australia's fuel shipments secured 'well into' May, energy minister says
Australia's fuel shipments have been secured for 'well into' May, the nation's energy minister says.
However he called for the critical Middle Eastern shipping lane to be opened as the ongoing anguish over supplies continues.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said supplies of fuel actually increased over Easter, despite Aussies likely travelling more.
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Australia's fuel shipments have been secured for 'well into' May, the nation's energy minister says.However he called for the critical shipping lane to be opened as the ongoing anguish over supplies continues. AP
"The government will keep working with industry to ensure the security of fuel supply as best we can in these difficult international circumstances," Bowen said.
"We continue to see no ships cancelled that have been ordered for Australia.
"We have security of supply through April and now into May."
However he added it's key the Strait of Hormuz is opened "as quickly as possible."
He said there is a focus in NSW especially to get fuel to farmers who need it to sow crops.
They have said they're making decisions to abandon plans for sewing not seen for decades.
Some growers are now abandoning planting crops this season, a move that could trigger a nationwide food crisis for months.
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He thanked refinery workers as well as truckies and service station workers for working over Easter.
However analysts say the peak of fuel prices is yet to come unless the war in the Middle East ends.
Meat, fruit and vegetables are all expected to cost 20 per cent more in as little as three weeks.
Bowen gave the latest numbers on supplies across the nation.
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Energy Minister Chris Bowen said supplies of fuel actually increased over Easter, despite Aussies likely travelling more. Sitthixay Ditthavong
In NSW, 142 service stations have no diesel, 39 service stations have no fuel.
In Victoria, 51 have no diesel, 30 have no fuel.
In Queensland, 38 have no diesel, 32 have no fuel.
In SA, nine have no diesel and five have no fuel.
In WA, 19 have no diesel and 29 have no fuel.
In Tasmania, seven have no diesel and seven have no fuel.
In the ACT, four have no diesel and two have no fuel.
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