Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday night asked Australians to conserve fuel by using public transport amid an oil crisis driven by the conflict in the Middle East.

In a special national address broadcast simultaneously across all television and radio networks, Albanese said the federal government is doing everything it can to protect Australia from the worst of the pressures caused by the conflict, but warned that the months ahead "may not be easy."

He said that Australians should go about their lives as normal and urged people not to panic-buy fuel.

"Over the coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so," he said.

"That builds our reserves, and it saves fuel for people who have no choice but to drive."

Albanese's speech on Wednesday night was the fourth national address delivered by an Australian prime minister in the 21st century, and the first since 2020.

He said the government was working to bring fuel prices down and to import more fuel and fertilizer.