Coalition Pushes to Double Fuel Reserves

The Federal Coalition has unveiled a plan to more than double Australia’s minimum fuel reserves, as concerns grow over the nation’s exposure to global supply disruptions.

The proposal would lift the minimum stockholding obligation from around 30 days to 60 days for key fuels including diesel, petrol and jet fuel.

It also includes an $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility, aimed at delivering at least one billion litres of new fuel storage capacity onshore.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor says the measure is critical to keeping the economy moving during a crisis.

He says if fuel supplies are disrupted, transport, food distribution and business activity would quickly be affected.

Nationals Leader Matt Canavan says the plan would reduce reliance on overseas supply chains that can be cut without warning.

The Coalition says the policy is particularly important for regional Australia, where agriculture and freight rely heavily on diesel.

The Opposition is calling for the increased stockholding thresholds to begin from January 2027, urging the Federal Government to adopt the plan.