April 11, 2026 | 05:21 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Aris Schuler-Shah, a resident of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, now has to spend an extra A$20 to fill up his car's gas tank. "If you fill up every week, that means A$20 out of your pocket, and that is quite significant amid a cost-of-living crisis," said the man, who goes by Aris, speaking to Tempo on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The Iran-Israel war, backed by the United States, since February 28, 2026, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have choked global energy supplies and driven up fuel prices in many countries. Australia, which imports around 90 percent of its fuel needs, has experienced local shortages and surging prices. By the end of March, diesel fuel prices exceeded A$3 per liter, while gasoline reached A$2.50 per liter, before the government cut fuel taxes to ease the spike.
In state capitals such as Melbourne, Aris typically relies on public transportation, such as trams or buses, for daily travel. But when heading to the suburbs or going on beach trips, he uses a private vehicle. The situation is more difficult for residents in rural areas. Aris said many gas stations there have run out of stock, driven by panic buying amid fears of depletion. Unlike in major cities, where people can still find alternative stations, options are limited in rural regions. "In cities, conditions are relatively safe. Only the prices are high," he said.
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Australia's Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced that 608 of the country's 7,798 gas stations had run out of fuel. Shortages were most acute in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The federal government moved to address the crisis by releasing 20 percent of its fuel reserves and cutting fuel excise taxes by half.
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