Australia’s low fuel reserves could halt nation within a month ?

At AusNewsLanka, we aim to keep the Australian community informed with timely updates.

Australia’s fuel reserves are running critically low — with less than a month’s supply of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel left — sparking fresh national security concerns.

New government data shows the country currently holds 28 days of petrol, 24 days of diesel, and 20 days of jet fuel. With only two operating refineries, Australia relies heavily on imports from Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, leaving it exposed to global disruptions.

Former senator Rex Patrick warned the nation is in an “awful situation,” blaming years of government inaction.

“If a major conflict disrupts supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz or Singapore, we’d be in real trouble,” he said.

Patrick warned the biggest threat isn’t just to motorists — but to essential services.

“Diesel keeps trucks, trains, supermarkets, and hospitals running,” he said, adding that supermarkets have around 10 days of dry food, and hospitals only three days’ worth of drugs.

However, Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s office insists Australia is “fuel secure,” claiming reserves are now at their highest level in 15 years when including fuel in pipelines and ships.

Despite that, an International Energy Agency report shows Australia holds just 48 days of oil imports, far below the 90-day minimum required under a 1974 treaty — a standard the country hasn’t met since 2012.

Patrick criticised the government for prioritising expensive defence projects over fuel security.

“Twenty-four days of diesel is simply not enough,” he said.

Experts agree — unless stock levels improve soon, a supply disruption could bring Australia’s transport, supermarkets, and hospitals to a standstill.

Stay tuned with Aus News Lanka – the leading platform for news for Australians.