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A recent online listing advertised two 20-litre containers of 96 premium petrol for an eye-watering $450.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen emphasized there’s no need for consumers to hoard fuel, reassuring that oil supplies are arriving in Australia as expected and without delays.
“I urge Australians to purchase fuel based on their needs—no more, no less,” Bowen stated to the press.
Bowen criticized individuals using platforms like Facebook Marketplace to sell fuel in jerry cans at inflated prices, noting that even stores like Bunnings are facing shortages of these containers due to panic buying.
“This behavior is against Australian values, poses safety risks, and should be avoided,” he remarked.
It was clearly a “minority of people” selling fuel on Facebook, Bowen said.
He acknowledged the majority of people buying extra petrol were simply responding to reports of shortages.
The minister said he realised there had been mixed messaging for Australians.
Bowen again repeated that there is no need to panic-buy at the bowser.
He denied reports that Australia was running out of fuel or that there was any shortage.
“I think the sort of inflammatory ‘running out’ language – we are nowhere near that. We have minimum stock obligations in place,” he said.
He clarified that while Australia still has healthy reserves of fuel, the shipments have not been keeping up with demand, which has spiked due to panic-buying.
“There is no need for panic-buying,” Bowen said.
“Is the situation internationally serious? Yes, it is.
“Is Australia’s fuel supply currently secure? Yes.
“Are the ships arriving as we expect? Yes. Are there further challenges coming? Well, Australians know that there may be further challenges coming.
“The government’s prepared for that. Australia’s prepared for that. We hope it doesn’t happen.
“What we need to do is be ready for them.”
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