WA Fuel Crisis Eases, But Tensions Remain

0:00It's April 8th. This is Sydney News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cori with the story. Western Australia's Energy Minister says the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran plus the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz offers them. Relief or fuel supplies down under. It won't stop the push to build up stocks amid ongoing tensions. Shipments from BP are still rolling in, with 10 loads set for Abro and Extradizel on the way to boost regional reserves. Little shortages are easing up, with only 21 stations across the state missing one or more fuel types now, down 14 from yesterday and half. What it was over Easter. The government is pressing major suppliers like Viva Energy, Ampo, and BP to share stock details with fines up to $100,000 for. Holding out. Business leaders at the Chamber of Commerce are calling for quick action, like freezing car registration fees, offering fuel vouchers, and prioritizing forms, trades, and health care if rationing kicks in.

1:01They also want payroll tax thresholds, bump to $1.3 million, and more public transport options to ease the pain. Opposition leader Basil Zembalis is grilling the government on why the promised $0.32 per liter excise cut hasn't hit diesel pumps yet. Diesel peaked at $3.22 last week, dipped to $3.06 on April 3rd, but climate change back to $3.21 by Wednesday, unleaded has dropped from $2.51 to $2.27 though. State side and local leaders are watching supplies closely, balancing this breather with plans for whatever comes next in the fuel crunch.