Israel/Iran conflict

 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned Australians the economic shocks of war in the Middle East will be felt for months to come, urging people not to take more fuel than they need for Easter road trips and to consider taking public transport in coming weeks.

In a rare address to the nation broadcast across TV and radio stations at 7pm (local time), hours before US President Donald Trump is due to deliver his own address to Americans on Thursday morning, Albanese reassured Australians they could go about their business as normal and enjoy the Easter break.

But his three-and-a-half minute address from his office in Parliament House in Canberra made plain that the government expects months of economic pain, potential shortages and supply chain disruptions as the global oil crisis enters its second month, even as the Trump administration suggests that its war with Iran could be coming to an end.

“If you’re hitting the road, don’t take more fuel than you need – just fill up like you normally would,” Albanese said.

“Think of others in your community, in the bush and in critical industries. And over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so. That builds our reserves and it saves fuel for people who have no choice but to drive,” he said.

“Farmers and miners and tradies who need diesel, every single day. And all those shift workers and nurses, who do so much for our country.”

The prime minister listed the measures the government had taken, including a 26-cent cut to the fuel excise for motorists and suspending the heavy vehicle road user charge, convening the national cabinet and adopting a national fuel security plan, and urged Australians to do their bit.

“No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing. I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it,” he said.
These are uncertain times. But I am absolutely certain of this: we will deal with these global challenges, the Australian way. Working together – and looking after each other.”

Albanese’s address is the clearest signal yet that while the government is publicly optimistic about Australia’s ability to handle the shortfalls and supply pinches affecting the availability of petrol, diesel and fertiliser around the world, privately there is mounting concern within government about shortages beyond April.

- Sydney Morning Herald