Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has begun a Southeast Asia visit, meeting Brunei’s monarch Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday to seek closer cooperation on fuel supplies amid ongoing instability in the Middle East.
The four-day trip, which also includes Malaysia, is focused on securing supply chains for fuel and other critical resources. The Australian government said Brunei is a key energy partner, supplying around 9% of Australia’s diesel and fertiliser, while Australia exports food and other goods to the country, highlighting complementary trade ties. Talks are expected to cover energy security, food supply and broader bilateral cooperation.
As conflict in the Middle East continues, Australia is stepping up engagement with regional suppliers. Malaysia, Australia’s third-largest source of refined fuel, is also a key focus of discussions. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is accompanying the delegation for regional consultations.
Domestically, the government has launched an energy-saving campaign, urging the public to reduce fuel consumption in response to potential supply pressures. Officials said fuel supplies remain stable for now but that Australia has entered a precautionary phase, with contingency measures in place in case of further disruptions.
The government is also considering extending fuel excise relief and introducing additional financial support to ease the impact of rising fuel prices on households and businesses. However, some analysts have questioned the effectiveness of such measures, arguing that global supply constraints cannot be resolved through reserves or short-term policies alone.
Officials warned that even if major shipping routes resume normal operations, energy markets will take time to stabilise, with significant uncertainty remaining over future supply and prices.