Australia to release nearly 20% of fuel stockpile as Bowen insists country ‘nowhere near’ running out

<p>Energy minister cuts fuel companies’ minimum stock obligations to free up diesel and petrol, which will be directed to regional Australia</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/mar/13/iran-war-politics-market-reactions-anthony-albanese-labor-angus-taylor-liberals-matt-canavan-nationals-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Australia will begin releasing its stockpile of fuel after the government directed fuel companies to release nearly a fifth of reserve petrol and diesel supplies.</p><p>The energy minister, Chris Bowen, acknowledged fuel supplies could face further pressure but ruled out a cut to the fuel excise or rationing fuel purchases.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/13/australia-to-release-nearly-20-of-fuel-stockpile-as-bowen-insists-country-nowhere-near-running-out">Continue reading...</a>