Anthony Albanese has appointed a fuel supply task force co-ordinator as the war in Iran deepens.
The Prime Minister met with state and territory leaders in Hobart on Thursday for an urgent meeting of national cabinet.
It comes after Mr Albanese was reportedly close to finalising a support package for Australia’s last two oil refineries in Victoria and Queensland.
Mr Albanese has faced continued pressure over his handling of the fuel crisis more than three weeks since the United States and Israel’s surprise attack on Iran.
The conflict has sent shockwaves through global markets, with reports of Australian towns temporarily running out of fuel as prices skyrocketed, despite the government claiming all intended in-bound ships had arrived.
Those concerns were exacerbated on Thursday, however, after an attack by Israel on the South Fars gas field in Iran – the world’s largest single source of LNG.
Iran subsequently attacked sections of a gas field operated by neighbouring Qatar.
Addressing the media, Mr Albanese said former Australian Energy Regulator CEO Anthea Harris has task force co-ordinator.
“Prior to this she was Deputy Secretary of energy group within the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,” he said.
“I cannot think of anyone better with more experience, more knowledge as well as that experience in a state government to be able to co-ordinate these efforts.”
The taskforce will drive co-ordination between the commonwealth and the states and territories.
Mr Albanese reiterated calls on Australians to only take the fuel “they need”.
“The longer the conflict in the Middle East goes, the more significant impact will be for the global supply chain, fuel prices, and the wider economy.”
Mr Albanese said he was “deeply concerned” about attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure, including the Iranian attack.
The ACCC on Thursday announced it launched an enforcement investigation into allegations of anti-competitive conduct by each of the major fuel suppliers: Ampol, BP Australia, Mobil Oil Australia, and Viva Energy Australia.
It comes after Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the war on Iran and its repercussions would be a “defining influence” on the May budget.
The Treasurer had earlier written to the ACCC urging it to probe fuel prices.
Separately, the watchdog said it would hike fines for cartel behaviour and alleged price gouging.
More to come