The Australian government has encouraged people to go ahead with their Easter travel plans, despite fuel shortages at hundreds of petrol stations across the country.
Easter is a very special time of faith and family, energy minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday, adding: Go take a break - but get no more fuel than you need.
Fuel prices in Australia have soared since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments.
Bowen reported that 312 of Australia's 8,000 service stations had run out of diesel, particularly in rural areas where it takes longer to replenish stocks.
In televised remarks, he disclosed that the nation has 39 days' worth of petrol, 29 days' worth of diesel, and 30 days' worth of jet fuel in reserve. Australia imports almost 90% of its fuel from the Middle East and is vulnerable to disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in the region.
The nearly complete halt of international shipping through this vital waterway has led governments to adopt fuel conservation measures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned that the economic repercussions of the Middle East conflict would be felt for months.
Australia is not an active participant in this war. But all Australians are paying higher prices because of it, he said, encouraging citizens to limit unnecessary fuel usage and consider public transportation whenever possible.
Recent reports indicated that a few vessels have managed to navigate the Strait of Hormuz amidst the conflicts, but the overall shipping traffic has significantly decreased, down by about 95% since hostilities erupted.
