Australia has appointed Anthea Harris, formerly the Australian Energy Regulator chief executive and Energy Security Board head, as national fuel coordination tsar to oversee supply and distribution coordination across the federal and state/territory governments, effective immediately.

The move creates a national fuel coordinator to safeguard fuel security and strengthen supply-chain resilience amid shortages linked to the Middle East conflict, including U.S.-Israel-Iran tensions.

Harris will coordinate efforts across jurisdictions, acting as a central hub to monitor, coordinate, and intervene in domestic fuel distribution.

Treasury and ministers attributed price and supply pressures to panic-buying and urged Australians not to hoard or panic-buy.

The government signaled additional measures to bolster fuel supply and resilience would be announced in the coming days and weeks.

ACCC Director Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the inquiry covers reports of diesel availability for independent wholesalers and distributors in regional areas and will monitor market conduct across all fuels.

Industry sources warned some stations had less than a day’s worth of petrol on hand, and while reserve releases can help, relief for consumers will take time.

The ACCC said its investigation is in a preliminary stage and has not formed views on specific allegations yet, but will move swiftly under competition and consumer laws if warranted.

The situation comes as ongoing concerns from consumers, businesses, and farmers about pricing and supply persist amid the Middle East conflict.

The government relaxed fuel quality standards for 60 days to boost the domestic market by around 100 million litres per month, allowing higher sulphur levels while maintaining overall high international standards.

Opposition critics argued the government’s measures were ad-hoc and urged reconsideration of diesel quality standards.

ACCC chief noted major fuel companies have been asked to explain why prices rose rapidly and failed to pass through wholesale costs, with pump prices climbing about 18 cents per litre faster than wholesale costs.