Australia keeps Russian fuel out even as US opens its market: “We do not want Vladimir Putin to benefit from this war in Middle East”
Australia says it has 43 days of petrol and 31 days of diesel stockpiled, enough to wait out high prices without buying from Russia.
Australia maintains strict ban on importing Russian fuel despite US President Donald Trump's decision to reintroduce Russian diesel to global markets, according to Bloomberg. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen stated that Australia has no intention of purchasing fuel from Russia, emphasizing that the country does not wish to support Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions in the Middle East.
The US President's agreement with Putin to release Russian diesel into international markets, which began on 9 October, has been met with strong opposition from Ukraine, claiming that the move is funding a war that has resulted in the deaths of over 80 Ukrainian civilians in just two days. Bowen asserts that Australia does not require or desire Russian fuel and will not alter its stance regarding the matter.
The US has announced the release of approximately 13.5 million barrels of Russian diesel, aimed at addressing soaring fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections. However, Bowen draws a clear distinction between the US approach and Australia's, maintaining that the US's actions are their own concern, while Canberra will continue to adhere to its trade partnerships in order to keep Russian fuel out of the market.
Australia's fuel reserves are sufficient to sustain the country for 43 days with petrol and 31 days with diesel, according to Bowen, who emphasizes that the nation maintains close communication with domestic refiners to ensure they operate at maximum capacity. This approach allows Australia to endure the current high prices rather than purchasing fuel that would contribute funds to Moscow.
High fuel costs have persisted in Australia since the conflict between the US and Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries around a fifth of the world's oil and gas. Though the US is easing sanctions on Russia, Europe is responding with a more robust sanctions package, targeting Russia's war efforts.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
