Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

I thank my honourable friend for the question. I can inform the member for Aston and the House that our fuel supplies remain in a good position, with 1.56 billion litres of petrol in our minimum stock obligation, three billion litres of diesel and 800 million litres of jet fuel, and also that fuel continues to arrive in Australia in the predicted way and at the predicted level, and that supply to Australia remains good. I can also report to the House that our two refineries are working well. They are responsible for around 20 per cent of the country's fuel demand, and, while it would have been better if we had six, we do have two and they are providing a very valuable role as we supply fuel across the country.

As the government have always said, we are not discounting the risks in the market internationally, but we enter this crisis very well prepared, and that is what Australians can be reassured of. We are seeing very big increases in demand, particularly in regional areas. Let me make it very clear: I understand why Australians would be concerned, particularly if they see misinformation online, and I understand why they may be tempted to buy extra fuel. That is very understandable. But our message to Australians is: buy as much fuel as you need—not less, not more. That is an important and responsible message that any member of parliament, I think, would be encouraged to deliver.

What is not understandable is any Australian who seeks to capitalise on this—and I've seen on Facebook Marketplace people selling jerry cans of fuel at inflated prices. I've seen people—

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