Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed a national fuel coordinator to manage escalating concerns over petrol, diesel, and jet fuel shortages as the US-Israel-Iran conflict intensifies.
Following a National Cabinet meeting in Tasmania on March 19, the Prime Minister announced that Anthea Harris—former head of the Australian Energy Regulator and the Energy Security Board—will lead a COVID-era style task force designed to monitor and, if necessary, intervene in nationwide fuel distribution.
Albanese praised Harris’s "unmatched" industry expertise, stating her experience in state and federal jurisdictions makes her uniquely qualified to bolster supply chain resilience.
The appointment coincides with an urgent investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission into allegations of anti-competitive behaviour by major providers, including Ampol, BP, Mobil Oil, and Viva Energy, particularly in regional areas.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb confirmed the watchdog is "closely scrutinising" markets following reports of opportunistic conduct during the crisis.
While acknowledging the anxiety caused by the unfolding Middle East war, the Prime Minister urged Australians to remain calm and avoid panic buying, insisting that current stocks remain secure.
"I want to assure Australians that we are well prepared," Albanese said, though he cautioned that a prolonged conflict would inevitably impact global prices and the wider economy.