Bowen's Fuel Intervention: National Strategy Discussed

0:00It's March 26. This is Sydney News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Australia's Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, has stepped in with a major intervention to fix fuel shortages hitting regional service stations. Suppliers must now sell directly to independent outlets running low, marking the biggest government move in the fuel market since World War II. Rationing. This comes after panic buying double demand following the start of the Iran War on February 28th. The issue stems from big chains like BP and ample locking up most wholesale fuel through long-term deals, leaving smaller regional stations to scramble on the spot market. Last week, Bowen ordered the release of 20% of the national stockpile, enough for six days of diesel and five days of petrol all directed to those hard-hit areas. Groups like the National Roads and Motorists Association have cheered the action, urging Bowen to use even tougher powers if needed.

1:00State leaders push for a unified response, while Prime Minister Anthony Albinese shifted from leaving it to states and now plans a national strategy. Discussion on Monday. Shortages persist, but supplies are ramping up, with companies delivering 43% more fuel to New South Wales independence and similar. Boosts elsewhere. Bowen shared latest figures, New South Wales has 178 stations out of diesel and 48 completely dry, with hundreds more, affected across Victoria, Queensland, and other states. Albinese keeps calling for calm and essential use only, as deliveries catch up to the surge and talk aim to steady the chains for good.