The aim is to shield households and businesses from volatility, with measures that echo responses to COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and to minimize shortages across the country.

Australia’s prime minister announced a snap national cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders to coordinate a response to the Middle East conflict, focusing on stabilizing fuel supplies and mitigating broader economic effects.

The emergency talks, chaired virtually from Tasmania by the premier, will align federal and state actions to curb shortages and ensure fuel deliveries amid disruptions tied to regional tensions.

Australia’s exposure to global supply chain shocks is rising as the country often sits at the end of the chain, prompting a strategic shift beyond decades of stability.

The remarks were delivered in a speech to the Australian Automotive Dealer Association on a Tuesday morning, with coverage dated March 18, 2026.

The crisis is framed as a test of Australia’s self-reliance and economic resilience, triggering broader measures beyond the current budget cycle.

Rising petrol and diesel prices have caused rural service stations to run dry in some areas, affecting farmers and truckers.

Authorities directed fuel companies to release reserve fuel and relaxed sulfur standards to inject about 100 million litres per month for 60 days to ease shortages.

Officials say additional measures will be announced in coming days to shield the economy from global uncertainty, with more actions anticipated around the May budget.

The government intends to address economy-wide shocks ahead of and alongside the May budget with coordinated actions across jurisdictions.

Transport Minister Catherine King is leading a fuel-security roundtable with transport industry stakeholders to address supply concerns.

Greens leader calls for national cabinet to consider free public transport to offset higher fuel costs during the crisis, urging federal funding to cover the cost.