Premier Jeremy Rockliff has used an emergency national cabinet meeting to push for stronger protections for Tasmania’s fuel supply, warning the state’s island status leaves it particularly exposed to the escalating crisis.
“Tasmania is an island off an island, so we must ensure our long-term fuel supply and regional distribution is secure,” Rockliff said.
Rockliff said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to chair the meeting from Hobart gave Tasmania a direct opportunity to press its case.
He said there was “strong consensus” for the federal government to lead national coordination, particularly to support regional areas and key industries.
“Work is underway to ensure our local supply remains secure,” Rockliff said, adding that Tasmania is hosting “regular fuel forums” with industry and business.
The meeting was called in response to fuel shortages and price spikes linked to the US-Israel conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted global oil markets since late February.
Petrol prices have risen by about 50 cents a litre across Australia in less than three weeks.
Regional areas have been hardest hit, with some service stations rationing supply.
Albanese announced Anthea Harris, former head of the Australian Energy Regulator, would be appointed national fuel supply taskforce coordinator.
“Our fuel supply is currently secure. However, I want us to be overprepared,” Albanese said from Hobart.
He urged motorists not to buy more fuel than necessary, saying shortages were being driven by increased demand rather than reduced supply.
Tasmania Police data provided to Pulse shows no notable increase in fuel drive-offs since the conflict began.
There were 44 incidents across the state in the six weeks from February 1 to March 14.
Weekly figures ranged from three to 11, with no upward trend in the two weeks following the conflict’s outbreak on February 28.
