Australia debates oil-import reliance options
Rising geopolitical tensions in maritime zones heighten its energy-security risk
With a high dependence on imported oil and products, diminished refining capacity, low oil stockholdings and a geographically-disparate refuelling network, Australia could quickly face gasoline, diesel and jet fuel shortages if inbound shipping or Asian refining capacity is ever disrupted. In its latest country review on Australia, the International Energy Agency again highlighted the nation's position as the sole net oil importer among its 30 member countries. For several years, Australia has been the only IEA member country lacking public stockholdings of oil. It also relies solely on the commercial stockholdings of its energy industry to meet its obligation under the Agency's Internationa

Also in this section
21 February 2025
While large-scale planned LNG schemes in sub-Saharan Africa have faced fresh problems, FLNG projects are stepping into that space
20 February 2025
Greater social mobility means increased global demand for refined fuels and petrochemical products, with Asia leading the way in the expansion of refining capacity
19 February 2025
The EU would do well to ease its gas storage requirements to avoid heavy purchase costs this summer, with the targets having created market distortion while giving sellers a significant advantage over buyers
18 February 2025
Deliveries to China decline by around 1m b/d from move to curb crude exports to Shandong port, putting Iran under further economic pressure