Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to reduce fuel use by opting for public transport where possible, as the global oil crisis continues to drive high petrol prices.
In a rare nationwide address broadcast across all major networks, Albanese acknowledged the strain on households, saying the situation had made “it hard to be positive”, but encouraged people to continue with daily life.
“Enjoy your Easter, and if you’re hitting the road, don’t take more fuel than you need, just fill up like you normally would. Think of others in your community, in the bush and in critical industries,” he said.
He also called on commuters to switch transport where feasible: “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.”
The government has introduced temporary cost-of-living relief, including halving the fuel excise for three months and removing road user charges for trucking, as part of a broader national fuel action plan agreed with states and territories.
Australia currently holds several weeks’ worth of fuel reserves, and the prime minister stressed the country remains some distance from more severe rationing measures.
While warning that the coming months “may not be easy”, Albanese sought to reassure Australians.
“I can promise that 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 challenges in the Australian way, working together and looking after each other, as we always have.”
