Over 60% of Australians blame US President Donald Trump for rising fuel prices and supply disruptions.
According to a survey, including one conducted by the Australian Financial Review, 61% of respondents believe that Washington's actions are the key factor in the deterioration of the fuel market and place the main responsibility for the crisis on Donald Trump, writes The Conversation, citing data from sociological surveys.
Only 14% of respondents blame the Australian government for rising petrol and diesel prices and supply disruptions. Another 25% believe that domestic factors are to blame or are not sure.
The surveys were conducted against the backdrop of fuel shortages since early March. The Australian government noted that the continent's overall fuel supply was not disrupted, but panic buying had compounded the situation, causing localised outages and emptying petrol stations. In response, the authorities diverted approximately 20% of fuel from strategic reserves and some petrol intended for export to the domestic market, and then promised to introduce emergency measures to stabilise the situation, using government mechanisms to support fuel purchases on the world market.
According to the Australian Department of Energy, the country imports approximately 85-90% of its petroleum products, purchasing approximately 800,000-900,000 barrels per day (approximately 130-140 million litres). As of March 26, the country's gasoline reserves were sufficient for approximately 39 days, and diesel and jet fuel for 30 days.
The Australian government has announced a temporary halving of excise duties on fuels amid the global energy crisis. According to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the decision was made at an emergency meeting of the country's National Cabinet.
„The sharp rise in fuel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East is hurting Australians and causing financial difficulties. The Australian government will halve the excise duty on petrol and diesel for three months, which will help relieve some of the pressure, Albanese said, noting that from April 1 to June 30, 2026, "the excise duty will be reduced from A$0.526 to A$0.263 per litre [from US$0.35 to US$0.17]". "The government estimates this will reduce the price of fuel by approximately A$0.263 per litre [US$0.17], resulting in a saving of approximately A$19 [US$12.50] per 65-litre tank," the prime minister added.
The authorities will also scrap the road user charge for heavy goods vehicles for three months and postpone a planned increase expected in July by six months. “We encourage Australians to use public transport where possible to save fuel in regional areas and welcome the measures currently in place to reduce public transport fares“, Albanese said.
The Prime Minister also noted that fuel supplies are expected to be stable in the short term, but “the longer the conflict continues, the more serious the impact on the market will be“. “We are acting now to prepare the country and protect Australians“, he stressed.
Fuel shortages in Australia
The shortage of motor fuel in Australia has come against the backdrop of a sharp rise in global oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. While fuel supplies to the country as a whole were not disrupted, panic buying, which caused localized shortages and emptying of gas stations, complicated the situation. In response, the authorities diverted approximately 20% of fuel from strategic reserves and part of the gasoline intended for export to the domestic market.