Anthony Albanese speaks on Australia petrol prices, Iran war after address to nation
Prime Minister Chris Minns has rejected suggestions Australia would return to pandemic-style lockdowns, saying the country remains “way behind the line” on fuel rationing.
Minns said the number of service stations without certain types of fuel remained relatively low, with only 34 fully stocked and 165 diesel-free, reiterating that supply was available for those planning an Easter weekend break.
He told Ben Fordham on radio station 2GB on Thursday morning: “I don’t think it’s an accurate analogy to say we’re going back to coronavirus-style lockdowns. It’s been devastating to economies. It’s torn communities apart. We’re not homeschooling, we’re not doing lockdowns.”
“You will not be limited to your local community in the scheme. Rationing may occur if we experience critical fuel shortages, but this is very different.”
When asked how the rationing would work, Minns said the fourth phase of the plan would prioritize essential services and industries.
“But we’re not in phase four. I think phase two, which is further along, was to tell ordinary Australians that this is what we’re thinking about,” Minns said, while underlining that regular fuel supplies were still coming.
