Fuel information plan announced, as industry groups count the cost

HELPING limit fuel supply chain pressures is the aim of a new information plan announced this week by federal infrastructure minister Catherine King.

Fuel costs have spiked since the US and Israel (backed by Australia) attacked Iran at the end of February, with Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz sending oil prices soaring.

The Australian government’s information campaign Every Little Bit Helps launched yesterday on screens across the nation.

Ms King said the campaign would “help communicate the government’s plan to the public and outline what actions they can take to help”.

“The global fuel shortage is affecting us all and every little bit helps.  From running errands in fewer trips to only filling up with the fuel you need, this will help us keep essential services moving,” she said.

“The rollout of this campaign and National Fuel Security Plan ensures that we can get the public the information they need and keep them updated if and when the situation may change.”

Meanwhile the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released a four-point plan to address the fuel crisis and its impact on the Australian economy.

Chief executive Andrew McKellar said action was needed.

“The temperature is going up for Australian business as the impact of this global fuel crisis begins to bite home,” he said, noting the need to manage demand.

“Many businesses are already saying to their employees, ‘if you want to work from home for extra days, if you need that extra flexibility, then you can take it; if you want to use public transport, then you should do that’,” Mr McKellar said.

The Maritime Union recently released its fuel security briefing paper, arguing Australia had never been so vulnerable to an energy crisis.

“Australia has never been more vulnerable to an energy crisis. Our fuel supply chains are run on a ‘just in time’ basis rather than ‘just in case’,” the union stated.

“This critical gap in the economically and socially essential infrastructure networks we depend upon must be fixed.

“Boosting fuel supply is only one part of the equation. Moving it to where it’s needed is a different problem. Australia is completely reliant on foreign ships for the import and export of petroleum.”