Australia secures more jet fuel shipments from China
Following negotiations with Beijing, it is planned to ship extra jet fuel from China to Australia.
Approximately 100 million liters of jet fuel will begin arriving in Australia in three shipments from the beginning of June.
The additional fuel came following talks between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong also visited China in April to discuss fuel supplies with Prime Minister Li, which led to Chinese state-owned oil companies agreeing to negotiate directly with Australian businesses over distribution.
China is one of the biggest exporters of jet fuel to Australia but has restricted supplies to protect domestic stocks since the start of the Iran war in late February.
Mr Albanese said the extra fuel would bring greater certainty to supply levels.
“In the face of global challenges, my government will leave no stone unturned to protect Australians from the impact of global fuel challenges,” he said.
“An additional 600,000 barrels of jet fuel will help Australia move forward.”
More arable urea from Brunei has also been locked in, with more than 38,000 tonnes secured following recent fuel deals.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the supply would give farmers more confidence.
“The additional fertilizer we provided with our 7.5 billion dollar donation Fuel and Fertilizer Security Facility “It will mean Australian farmers can continue farming,” he said.
“Access to critical inputs such as fertilizer supports the food security of Australia and the countries we export to, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, which is why we are working around the clock with industry to provide fertilizer to our farmers.”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, created fluctuations in global markets.
Senator Wong said Australia continued to work with its allies to secure fuel supplies as the war in the Middle East continued.
“Australia is working with countries in our region to respond to this unprecedented shock to the global economy and ensure the continued flow of essential fuels,” he said.
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