PM Albanese says Australia's fuel supply will become increasingly difficult

Canberra (ANTARA) - Australia’s fuel supply appears adequate in the short term but will become more difficult in the coming months, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday (27/3). In a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra regarding the worsening fuel crisis in the country, Albanese said the government is “working tirelessly” to “put together the strongest possible plan” and is preparing more than necessary to face potential eventualities. Albanese mentioned his “positive” engagement with Malaysia, an important oil supplier for Australia, as well as with the broader ASEAN region. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said that supplies of petrol, diesel, and oil in the country remain the same. “The government has always acknowledged that there is a real and unacceptable shortage in regional Australia because demand has increased so high, and it takes time to build a strong domestic supply,” Bowen said. Albanese will also hold a national cabinet meeting on Monday (30/3) to discuss the fuel crisis. Earlier on the same day, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called on the government to temporarily halve fuel taxes for three months. The government acknowledged on Wednesday (25/3) that around 470 fuel stations across Australia had run out of at least one type of fuel.