WA Stockpiles Diesel for Fuel Security

0:00It's April 12th. This is sending news today, driven by AI. Western Australia's government is eyeing a massive diesel stockpile to shield the state from future fuel crises. Energy Minister Amber J. Sanderson says it could hold millions of leaders aimed at protecting key industries like farming and mining that guzzle the stuff. Recent tensions from the war in Iran exposed cracks in the national system. Federal rules make fuel sellers keep about four weeks of reserves, but much of that stock sits outside WA, like in Queensland, leaving locals short. When demand spikes, folks in agriculture, remote communities, and smaller mining ops felt the pinch hardest, relying on shaky spot markets that dried up fast. This stockpile would pump diesel straight into those vulnerable spots at the state's call, adding real resilience without federal red tape. They're already scouting spare storage with the mining sector, and the transport network can handle distribution, even tapping independent truckers. For outback areas,

1:01like the wheat belt and gold fields, no plans yet for petrol since diesels the real priority. Meanwhile, Sanderson's warning fuel retailers to pass on recent excise cuts to drivers, with prices now trending down. The state's teaming up with watchdogs to keep margins in check and crack down on any gouging.