Australia’s energy minister Chris Bowen has warned that petrol shortages across parts of the country will not disappear immediately, even after the government released emergency fuel reserves.
The Australian Government ordered fuel companies to release nearly 20% of the nation’s domestic petrol and diesel stockpile last week.
The decision came as dozens of service stations across Australia reported running out of fuel.
Panic buying driving shortages
Fuel retailers say the shortages are being worsened by panic buying from motorists responding to rapidly rising petrol prices.
The surge in prices follows tensions in the Middle East linked to the conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted global oil supply routes.
Supply chain delays expected
Bowen said the additional fuel would take time to move through the supply system.
Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation program 7.30, the minister explained that the national fuel supply network is complex.
“There will be some time for it to flow through. There’s a very complicated supply chain,” Bowen said.
He added that companies had assured the government the released fuel would eventually reach regional areas that have been hit hardest by shortages.
Impact expected in coming days
According to Bowen, some fuel companies believe the additional supply could begin easing shortages within days.
However, the full impact may take longer as the fuel moves through distribution networks across the country.
Pressure from global energy crisis
The shortages come as petrol prices surge across Australia.
Global energy markets have been shaken by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, pushing oil prices higher and increasing pressure on domestic fuel supplies.
Authorities are urging motorists to avoid panic buying while the supply chain adjusts to the release of additional reserves.
