It is unclear at what point fuel rationing could be triggered, although level four of the plan flags “stronger demand measures” and a focus on making sure fuel is available for “critical users”.<\/p>\n
According to the government, level three would be triggered when there are “ongoing supply disruptions”.<\/p>\n
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has consistently said Australia is still receiving expected shipments, and has been able to replace those which have not arrived.<\/p>\n
At level three, governments would “look for practical measures” and there would be national implementation of actions “to reduce fuel demand”.<\/p>\n
Level four would be triggered if ongoing supply disruptions “require government action” to ensure critical infrastructure and fuel users can continue to have supply.<\/p>\n
The examples given of critical users are life-supporting services, utilities or emergency services.<\/p>\n
NSW Treasurer Daniel Moohkey said rationing measures would be considered at stage four, which was confirmed by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook.<\/p>\n
The prime minister said he wanted “more certainty” from US President Donald Trump about the objectives of the war in Iran.<\/p>\n
“I want to see a de-escalation. A de-escalation is in the global economy’s interests,” Mr Albanese said.<\/p>\n
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he anticipates headline inflation will reduce by half a percentage point through the year to the June quarter of 2026, but acknowledged Australians were paying a “hefty price” for the war in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says he still expects headline inflation to drop.\u00a0 (ABC News: Callum Flinn)<\/p>\n
“From an economic point of view, the war in the Middle East could not end soon enough,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We will provide relief where we can do that in a responsible way.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The government will also delay an increase to the heavy road user charge by six months, which will cost a further $53 million in lost revenue.<\/p>\n
Mr Chalmers said the fuel excise would provide cost of living relief for people who cannot avoid driving long distances, including those in rural and regional areas.<\/p>\n
“Australians in rural and regional Australia were front of mind,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Chalmers said the states and territories had also agreed to provide GST relief, but said the government still has a “long way to go” to finalise the May budget.<\/p>\n
Opposition welcomes ‘overdue relief’<\/p>\n
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor used a press conference before the meeting to outline his test for the national cabinet, saying it had to address four key areas for greater fuel security, including a national plan and changes to the fuel excise.<\/p>\n
Following the meeting he welcomed the measures, labelling them “overdue relief” for taxpayers which would help keep supply chains moving over Easter.<\/p>\n
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Angus Taylor says the government must be transparent about the path forward.\u00a0 (ABC News: Callum Flinn)<\/p>\n
Mr Albanese encouraged families to press forward with their plans for the Easter long weekend despite the high cost of fuel, and used it as an example of the government’s commitment to keep the economy moving.<\/p>\n
But Mr Taylor said it remained unclear how the government planned to funnel fuel to supply to areas with shortages.<\/p>\n
“We welcome the national fuel security plan, but the reality is we still do not have a clear plan to get fuel to the servos that have run dry,” he said.<\/p>\n
“And the prime minister still has not ruled out heavy-handed mandates that Australians do not want.”<\/p>\n
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