The Australian prime minister has asked those who can to switch to public transport over the coming months, while assuring Australians they should otherwise carry on as normal despite the global oil crisis.
Anthony Albanese has asked Australians to trade their cars for public transport if they can, while reassuring those who need to drive that they can continue to do so, as the global oil crisis continues with no clear end in sight.
The prime minister issued the plea in a rare address to the nation, which was broadcast simultaneously on all radio and television networks this evening.
Speaking directly to the public, he acknowledged that the oil crisis and subsequent spike in gas prices had made "it hard to be positive" but urged Australians to "go about your business and life as normal."
Anthony Albanese has delivered the message in a rare address to the nation, interrupting live broadcasts on all radio and television networks.
"Enjoy your Easter, and if you're hitting the road, don't take more fuel than you need, just fill up like you normally would."
"Think of others in your community, in the bush and in critical industries," he said.
"And over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so."
"That builds our reserves and it saves fuel for people who have no choice but to drive."
As reported, Albanese announced the cost-of-living relief measure earlier this week, alongside a four-step fuel action plan, agreed to by state and territory leaders during an emergency national cabinet meeting.
Australia is currently in stage two of the government's plan, and Albanese has said the country is a "substantial" distance from escalating to the third and fourth levels, which will involve more targeted actions to preserve fuel stocks.
The following months "may not be easy," Albanese said, acknowledging that no government could promise to eliminate the pressures the war was causing.
"I can promise that we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it," he said.
Notably, Australia currently has about 30 days' worth of diesel, 39 of petrol and 30 of jet fuel held in reserve, while all shipments through to May have been secured.
