Aussie States Offer Free Public Transport Amid Soaring Fuel Prices

0:00It's March 29th, you're listening to Global News today, AI-powered global coverage. Fuel prices are spiking across Australia because of the war in the Middle East, blocking the strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world's oil flows through. That's pushing drivers to the edge, so two states are stepping up with free public transport to ease the pain. Victoria, around Melbourne, is making trains, trams, and buses free all through April starting Tuesday. Tasmania is jumping in too, with no fares on coaches, buses, ferries, and even school buses for Monday until June ends, saving families about 20. Australian dollars a week. Meanwhile, other states like New South Wales with Sydney aren't biting yet. They're holding funds for bigger transport demands, while South Australia boosts senior cards, Queensland sticks to its 50 cent flat fare, and Western Australia keeps recent cuts in place. Prime Minister Anthony Alvinese, calm folks Friday, amid panic buying and empty pumps, saying

1:01supplies fine but global oil jumps are hitting. Hard average petrol now at $2.38 a liter, up from $2.9 a month ago. Worldwide, nations are scrambling too, from Egypt closing shops early to the Philippines cutting work weeks. As this drags on, expect more ships to cut fuel use and steady those budgets.