Australia Eases Diesel Standards to Boost Supply

0:00It's March 24. You're listening to Adelaide News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey with the story. Australia is easing diesel fuel standards for the next six months to boost supply and tackle shortages at service station nationwide. Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the change on Tuesday, aiming to help farmers, truck drivers, and rural areas get more fuel quickly. Shortages hit hardest in New South Wales with 164 stations out of diesel and 289 missing at least one fuel type. From over 2,400 spots, Queens then saw 55 without diesel and 35 short on regular unlettered, while Victoria had 162 stations low on fuels out of more than 1,600. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory reported no issues. Demand has spiked since the Middle East conflict drove up prices, prompting officials to urge people to buy only what they need. These shipments have arrived as planned, but six April deliveries got cancelled, with

1:02some replacements lined up. Reports of stations limiting purchases or blocking Jerry cans are popping up in regional spots. To widen import options from places like the United States, Canada, and Europe, the diesel flashpoint standard dropped slightly from 61.5 to 60.5 degrees Celsius. Bowen stressed this won't affect engines, emissions, or safety rules given Australia's hot weather. States and Territories are teaming up, with a new national fuel coordinator in place to manage things. Opposition figures highlight regional struggles, like long lines and farmers short on diesel, and push for more homegrown biofuels. The government also updated labor laws Monday to shield truck drivers from price surges as coordination efforts ramp up over the coming weeks.