Western Australia is facing mounting pressure on fuel supply as the war in the Middle East nears the one-month mark, with the Shadow Minister for Energy, Dr Steve Thomas, warning that the situation could soon reach a critical point.
Dr Thomas said the delivery of fuel has already been disrupted, pushing prices sharply higher. He said regional areas and agriculture are being hit hardest, with costs rising and supply becoming less reliable.
“The crude oil we rely on takes two to three weeks to reach refineries in South East Asia, and once refined, another one to two weeks to reach Western Australia. The countries refining this oil get up to 70% of their crude from the Middle East, and they are about to face a dramatic shortfall,” he said.
Dr Thomas warned that diesel prices, which have doubled in a month, are likely to rise further. He also cautioned that the ability to get fuel to where it is needed could become increasingly difficult, particularly as refiners begin prioritising domestic needs.
The Shadow Minister suggested the State Government may soon have to consider using powers under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act 1972 to declare a state of emergency, allowing authorities to manage fuel distribution. “I suspect the Government is waiting until the crisis gets worse before acting, but that time is rapidly approaching,” he said.
The warning comes amid growing concern from farmers and regional communities over rising costs and limited access to fuel, which could affect agricultural production and transport. Dr Thomas urged authorities to prepare for the potential impacts and to consider early interventions to mitigate supply disruptions.
The unfolding situation highlights the vulnerability of Western Australia’s fuel supply to international conflicts and global supply chains, and adds pressure on the State Government to respond before shortages intensify.
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