Australia to convene state leaders’ meeting as fuel shortages hit rural areas

The meeting will focus on supporting affected communities, particularly in rural towns. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will hold a meeting with state and territory leaders on March 19 as governments grapple with fuel shortages in parts of rural Australia, triggered by global supply disruptions due to the Iran war.

The conflict in the Middle East has pushed up oil prices and heightened concerns over supply after attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy choke points and a key route for global shipping, has remained largely shut.

Mr Albanese said on March 18 the National Cabinet would convene online to strengthen coordination between the federal and state governments, with a focus on supporting affected communities, particularly in rural towns.

“We want to make sure that we do everything we can to shield the Australian economy, households and businesses from the worst of global uncertainty,” Mr Albanese said in a speech.