After discussions between Australia and China, including between the Prime Minister and China’s Premier Li, the Albanese Labor Government has helped to secure three shipments of jet fuel, totaling more than 600,000 barrels or about 100 million litres.
The Government has also helped to secure another 38,500 tonnes of agricultural grade urea from Brunei, for Australian farmers, producers, and our agriculture industry, to keep Australia’s food and fiber production systems strong.
This adds to fertiliser and fuel that has been secured through the Albanese Labor Government’s $7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility, designed to help Australia’s agriculture and transport industries manage the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East.
The Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility has now helped to obtain around 125,000 tonnes of agricultural grade urea, in addition to the 250,000 tonnes of agricultural grade urea secured from Indonesia in partnership with Incitec Pivot.
This extra fertiliser gives greater certainty to farmers as they make planting and growing decisions, safeguarding our domestic food supply and the food security we provide to our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region.
The three cargos of jet fuel from China are expected to arrive from early June, and are in addition to the 600,000 barrels or about 100 million litres of jet fuel already secured through the Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility.
These cargoes from China are a first step and we are working to ensure there will be more to come, to keep our aircraft flying, including to rural and regional areas.
Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“In the face of global challenges, my Government will leave no stone unturned to shield Australians from the impact of global fuel challenges.
“The additional 600,000 barrels of jet fuel will help keep Australia moving, and the extra fertiliser will help provide certainty to our farmers.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong
“Australia is working with countries in our region to respond to this unprecedented shock to the global economy and ensure the continued flow of essential fuels.
“The Albanese Government is focused on securing the supplies – including diesel, jet fuel, petrol and fertiliser – that Australia needs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell
"The additional jet fuel will support travel to Australia’s world class tourist destinations and support the movement of freight within Australia and exports overseas.”
“The fertiliser we have secured will support Australian farmers to produce the agricultural exports that we sell to the world, helping grow our economy and maintain our reputation as a supplier of world-class exports.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen
“The Albanese Government is continuing to secure more fuel to help Australians now while we set Australia up to better prepare for future shocks.
“Our efforts throughout Government have made Australia more energy secure now and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King
“Securing these jet fuel supplies is just one of the ways the Albanese Government is working with industry to keep people and goods moving.
“This additional fuel will be a welcome boost for our aviation sector and ensure the public can continue to fly with confidence.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins
“At a time of global uncertainty, our Government is doing everything we can to give our farmers confidence for the future.
“The additional fertiliser we have secured through our $7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility will mean Australia’s farmers can keep farming.
“Having access to critical inputs like fertiliser underpins the food security of Australia and the countries we export to, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, which is why we’ve been working day and night with industry to get fertiliser to our farmers.”