Australia has secured additional diesel and fertiliser supplies as instability continues around the Strait of Hormuz, with the Albanese government moving to strengthen supply chains for key industries.
The government announced it had secured shipments of 31,000 tonnes of urea fertiliser and 50 million litres of diesel. It said the supplies would provide greater certainty for Australian farmers as they make planting and growing decisions for the current and upcoming seasons.
Trade Minister Don Farrell said the move demonstrated the government’s efforts to protect essential supplies.
“This showcases practical steps to secure essential supplies to keep Australia moving,” Farrell said in a statement.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said government action had already increased fuel supplies heading to Australia.
“We’ve now got 740m litres of diesel arriving which would not otherwise be on its way, because of the action the government took early, and you can expect that figure to keep growing,” Bowen said.
The announcement comes as concerns continue over potential disruptions to global shipping and energy supplies linked to tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.