Fuel shortages in Australia spread to hundreds of service stations

Fuel shortages are spreading across Australia, with hundreds of service stations running dry, officials said. Energy Minister Chris Bowen reported that 144 petrol stations nationwide have completely run out of fuel, while another 283 stations are out of diesel, mostly in New South Wales (NSW).

Bowen acknowledged that "more work needs to be done" to address the shortages, which affect 3.4% of service stations across the country.

The shortages, particularly in NSW, are largely due to prioritizing fuel deliveries to farmers during the sowing and seeding season to protect crop security. Demand for fuel over the Easter long weekend also surged by as much as 30%.

"In New South Wales in particular, we've been focusing with the industry on getting fuel to farmers because it's sowing and seeding season, so our service station numbers out of diesel have been higher than anyone would like," Bowen said at a press conference.

He added that Australia has secured fuel shipments "well into May" and praised Southeast Asian partners for their support as reliable energy suppliers.

Bowen also urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz "as quickly as possible" to minimize economic impacts on Australia and the global market.

Australia currently holds reserves sufficient for 39 days of petrol, 29 days of diesel, and 29 days of jet fuel, levels similar to those at the start of the conflict, Bowen told ABC Radio National Breakfast.