KUALA LUMPUR April 16, 2026 – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the government has secured an additional 100 million litres of diesel from international shipments amid ongoing concerns over national fuel supplies.
In a press conference, Albanese stated: “My government has secured an additional 100 million litres of diesel from two shipments, one from Brunei where I was yesterday and one from South Korea. This is the first of many expected shipments secured under the Government’s new Strategic Reserve powers with the support of Export Finance Australia.”
The announcement comes as part of the Prime Minister’s recent diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia, including visits to Brunei and Malaysia, to bolster fuel and fertiliser security. Australia imports over 80% of its petrol and diesel, with supplies strained by global disruptions from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The 100 million litres represent the initial delivery under new reserve mechanisms, aimed at strengthening domestic stockpiles. Government sources have indicated further shipments are expected in the coming weeks through partnerships with fuel companies like Viva Energy.
This development follows a major fire yesterday at the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong – one of Australia’s two remaining operational refineries – which has impacted petrol production, though diesel and jet fuel output continues at reduced levels for safety reasons.
Daily national diesel consumption is estimated at around 90–92 million litres, meaning the secured volume provides a buffer equivalent to roughly one day’s supply. The government has emphasised that the move buys critical time while longer-term international agreements are pursued.
Albanese’s Asia tour, which included stops in Singapore earlier this week, has focused on securing priority access to fuel, liquefied natural gas, and other essential goods to keep supply chains moving.
Further details on the Strategic Reserve initiative and ongoing supply negotiations are expected in the coming days as the government continues diplomatic engagements to safeguard Australia’s energy security.
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