Briefings And Analyses Regarding Fuel Security Preparedness.
DCCEEW
AI summary
This disclosure contains briefing materials and analyses on Australia's fuel security preparedness rather than environmental regulatory matters. Documents cover a March 2024 meeting between DCCEEW officials and International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol discussing global fuel supply disruptions, Australia's Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO) for fuel reserves, and domestic response measures including establishment of a Fuel Supply Taskforce, release of up to 20% of baseline MSO reserves (13 March), price monitoring, and amendment of fuel standards. A ministerial information request indicates Australia imports approximately 80% of crude oil feedstock and 85% of refined products, with over 90% of refined consumption derived from imports. The disclosure does not address EPBC Act matters, species protection, environmental site assessments, or regulatory decisions within DCCEEW's environmental portfolio—it concerns energy security policy and fuel supply logistics.
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# Monday 23 March - DCCEEW Briefing with International Energy Agency (IEA) ED Fatih Birol
| **Timing/location** | Monday 23 March, 08:45-09:15, ACT.APH.MG.481.VC |
| --- | --- |
| **Event & Purpose** | Informal briefing to discuss global fuel supply issues, s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| **Attendees** | - David Higgins, FAS International Climate and Energy Division - Brad Archer, FAS Energy Security Taskforce - Linda McGrath, FAS National Energy Transformation and Australia's Governor to the IEA - Jennifer Anne, AS Energy Security Taskforce - IEA ED Fatih Birol - [TBC] - [TBC] |
| **Agenda** | No formal agenda |
| **What we want** | - s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - Discuss Australia's domestic approach to fuel security, including the Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO), s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - Request further public, regional, analysis from the IEA on the impacts of the Strait of Hormuz closure |
| **What they want** | - s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| **Handling & Sensitivities** | # s. 33 s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| **Attachments** | Attachment A: s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
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**High Level Points**
*Fuel Security*
- Fuel continues to arrive in Australia – Australia is well prepared – our fuel reserves now held onshore under the Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO)
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
*Australia's domestic response*
- Domestic response to current fuel supply disruption includes: establishment of Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator (Anthea Harris), release of up to 20% of the baseline MSO (13 March), price monitoring, stakeholder roundtables, international engagement, amending fuel standards to allow more petrol to reach the Australian market.
- s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
- This comes on top of previous domestic policies, such as: establishing domestic fuel reserve through MSO; maintaining sovereign refining capability; building additional diesel storage capacity.
- s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
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# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
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# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
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Australian Government
Department of Climate Change, Energy,
the Environment and Water
# MINISTERIAL INFORMATION REQUEST
MB24-000028
To: The Office of the Minister for Climate Change and Energy
| **Subject / Issue:** | Liquid fuel supply nations | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Requested by: | s. 22(1)(a)(ii) | Date requested: | 23/01/2024 |
# KEY POINTS
- Over 90% of Australia's refined product consumption is based on imports, both direct imports and indirectly from products refined domestically from imported feedstock.
- We currently import around 80% of our crude oil and other refinery feedstock and 85% of our refined products.
- Most of Australia's crude oil and other refinery feedstock imports come from Malaysia, United States, Vietnam and Brunei. These four countries supplied more than 80% of Australia's crude oil and other refinery feedstock imports in 2023 (see Attachment A, Table 2).
- Most of Australia's refined product imports come from South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia, which accounted for nearly 70% in 2023. Other important suppliers of refined products include Taiwan, China, India, Japan and Brunei (see Attachment A, Table 3).
# Reliance on imports from active conflict zones
- Australia imports only small volumes of crude oil and refined products directly from countries in the Middle East – 0% of our total oil imports in 2023.
- However, the countries that Australia relies on for refined products, such as South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and China, all rely on crude oil from the Middle East, which increases our indirect exposure to possible conflicts in that region.
- DCCEEW preliminary analysis suggests more than half of Australian refined product imports in first half of 2023 could be based on crude oil from countries using the Strait of Hormuz (located between Iran and Oman), a key chokepoint for exports from the Middle East.
- Crude oil from the Middle East to these Asian countries does not go through the Suez Canal.
- Analysis of reliance on other regions/routes of interest can be undertaken if required.
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# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
## ATTACHMENTS
### A: AUSTRALIAN LIQUID FUEL IMPORTS 2023
| Contact Officer: | s. 22(1)(a)(ii) | Director, Petroleum Data & Analysis / Liquid Fuels / Gas & Liquid Fuels | Mob:s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Clearing Officer: | Cris Cano | Branch Head (A/g), Liquid Fuels / Gas & Liquid Fuels | Mob: s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| Date cleared: | 24/01/2024 | Date sent to MO: | 25/01/2024 via PDMS |
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# **ATTACHMENT A: AUSTRALIAN LIQUID FUEL IMPORTS 2023 (Jan-Nov)**
# **1. Australia's total oil imports (includes both crude oil & refined products)**
| Top 10, 2023 (Jan-Nov) | ML | % |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Total** | **55,626** | **100** |
| Korea, Republic of (South) | 14,249 | 26 |
| Malaysia | 11,289 | 20 |
| Singapore | 10,679 | 19 |
| Taiwan | 3,481 | 6 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 3,079 | 6 |
| China (excludes SARs and Taiwan) | 2,757 | 5 |
| India | 2,292 | 4 |
| Japan | 2,209 | 4 |
| United States of America | 2,030 | 4 |
| Vietnam | 986 | 2 |
| Other | 2,576 | 5 |
Source: Australian Petroleum Statistics, November 2023
# **2. Australia's crude oil and other refinery feedstock imports**
| Top 10, 2023 (Jan-Nov) | ML | % |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Total** | **8,433** | **100** |
| Malaysia | 3,759 | 45 |
| United States of America | 1,256 | 15 |
| Vietnam | 982 | 12 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 912 | 11 |
| Libya | 348 | 4 |
| New Zealand | 328 | 4 |
| Algeria | 298 | 4 |
| Nigeria | 180 | 2 |
| Indonesia | 160 | 2 |
| Azerbaijan | 159 | 2 |
| Other | 52 | 1 |
Source: Australian Petroleum Statistics, November 2023
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### 3. Australia’s refined product imports
| Top 10, 2023 (Jan-Nov) | ML | % |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Total** | **47,193** | **100** |
| Korea, Republic of (South) | 14,249 | 30 |
| Singapore | 10,677 | 23 |
| Malaysia | 7,530 | 16 |
| Taiwan | 3,481 | 7 |
| China (excludes SARs and Taiwan) | 2,756 | 6 |
| India | 2,290 | 5 |
| Japan | 2,209 | 5 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 2,167 | 5 |
| United States of America | 774 | 2 |
| Indonesia | 427 | 1 |
| Other | 632 | 1 |
Source: Australian Petroleum Statistics, November 2023
### 4. Australia’s diesel imports
| Top 10, 2023 (Jan-Nov) | ML | % |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Total** | **28,296** | **100** |
| Korea, Republic of (South) | 9,484 | 34 |
| Malaysia | 5,125 | 18 |
| Singapore | 3,330 | 12 |
| Taiwan | 2,840 | 10 |
| Brunei Darussalam | 2,117 | 7 |
| Japan | 2,008 | 7 |
| India | 1,602 | 6 |
| China (excludes SARs and Taiwan) | 1,193 | 4 |
| Indonesia | 299 | 1 |
| Saudi Arabia | 113 | 0 |
| Other | 184 | 1 |
Source: Australian Petroleum Statistics, November 2023
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Australian Government
Department of Climate Change, Energy,
the Environment and Water
MS26-000271
**To:** Minister for Climate Change and Energy (For Decision)
**Cc:** Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
**Timing:** 13 March 2026 — as requested.
**Recommendations:**
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
6. Note the latest advice on the disruption to the liquid fuel market, including point in time assessment against conditions precedent for a declaration of emergency under the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act 1984.
**Noted / Please discuss**
**Minister:**
**Date:**
**Comments:**
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| Clearing Officer: | Matt Brine | Deputy Secretary Energy | Mob: s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Contact Officer: | Jennifer Anne | Branch Head, Liquid Fuels Security and Strategy | Ph: s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| Date Cleared: | 13/03/2026 | Date sent to MO: | 13/03/2026 |
# **Key Points:**
# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
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S. 22(1)(a)(ii)
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# **Consideration conditions precedent for declaring an emergency under the Liquid Fuels Emergency Act 1984.**
15. Under section 16 of the Liquid Fuels Emergency Act, you may, after consulting with States and Territories, request that the Governor General declare a liquid fuel emergency if she is 'satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest to do so by reason that there is a shortage, or the likelihood of a shortage, of liquid fuel, being a shortage of such magnitude as to require the making of directions [under the Act].
16. Before you seek a declaration of emergency under the Liquid Fuels Emergency Act you must
a. be satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so
b. be satisfied that voluntary augmenting of supplies by relevant fuel companies has not addressed the issue
c. have provided reasonable opportunity to consult with the jurisdictional Energy Ministers concerning the shortage or likelihood of a shortage, and
d. make a recommendation to the Governor-General, based on all available information, that a national LFE be declared and the nature and scope of powers to be invoked.
17. As of 12 March 2026, s. 47C(1) there is not a fuel shortage or the likelihood of shortage in Australia.
a. All entities continue to meet their stockholding obligation under the MSO. Stocks held exceeded the obligated level at the national level for all fuel types
b. s. 47G and other media have observed there are particularly acute constraints emerging for some Asian refineries. However, at present fuel continues to arrive in Australia in the quantities and frequency we need and expect, with ship tracking showing sufficient fuel to meet ordinary demand on its way to arrive within the next week. While 3 of 4 major fuel suppliers are at 100% bulk allocation for ground fuels, all contracts are being honoured in their entirety under this arrangement.
c. All Australian suppliers are reporting an abnormal increase in purchasing; however, there is no underlying increase in fuel use.
d. s. 47B
18. There are reports that suggest there are multiple instances of localised supply disruption at retail and terminal sites in regional areas in multiple States. It is understood that this is primarily as a result of an unusual increase in purchasing. These regions are predominately supplied by local smaller and independent suppliers, who have been unable to easily secure fuel at the prices currently offered on domestic spot markets;
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and who may not have the capacity or capability to seek that fuel from international spot markets.
19. s. 47C(1)
20. Note at Attachment D latest departmental advice on the liquid fuel market disruption, including point in time assessment to further support this assessment against the conditions precedent.
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Sensitivities and Handling:
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) Mechanisms to require regulated entities to release fuel to market are available under the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act 1984.
Data Referenced:
Consultation: YES
26. International Climate and Energy Division, National Energy Transformation Division.
Legal advice / Legislative impacts or timing:
27. Nil
Financial Impacts:
28. Nil
Media and Communication opportunities:
29. Nil
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# **Opportunities for First Nations people and their communities:**
19. Nil
# **Attachments:**
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
**B:** IEA Initial response plan/notice of collective action
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
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QB25-000169
# OIL AND GAS SECURITY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT
ISSUE/QUESTION
What is the impact of Middle Eastern conflict on Australia's oil and gas security?
POLITICAL TALKING POINTS:
Office Use Only
KEY POINTS:
- The Australian Government is closely monitoring the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East to understand potential impact on global and domestic energy markets.
- So far there have been no significant disruptions to global oil markets.
- The Australian fuel market is currently well-supplied.
- We are well positioned to withstand supply shocks through our existing energy security measures. The Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO) provides domestic fuel reserves as an important response measure.
- We are holding more stocks of diesel, petrol and jet fuel collectively than at any point in the last 15 years.
- Our minimum stockholdings guarantee a buffer of around five weeks supply for the unlikely scenario of a complete disruption of oil supply (for example, total isolation of Australia from international oil trade). They will provide much longer resilience for a partial disruption.
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Contact Officer: Jennifer Anne
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Phone: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Responsible Division: Gas and Liquid Fuels Division (GLFD) G2
QB25-000169
Date updated:
27-4 June-July 2025
Date reviewed:
27-4 June-July 2025
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# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
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# **BACKGROUND:**
# *Oil*
- On 13 June 2025 Israel launched a series of air strikes against Iran, to which Iran retaliated. On 22 June 2025 the United States of America targeted three Iranian nuclear sites. On 23 June 2025, Iran launched a missile attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. As of 24 June 2025, a ceasefire has been agreed between Israel and Iran.
- The impact of the conflict on Iran's export-oriented oil and s. 22(1)(a)(ii) infrastructure has been limited so far, and oil and [REDACTED] flows through the Strait of Hormuz continue.
- Australian oil market participants have advised the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water that they have no immediate concerns about supply.
- The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a watchpoint, with previous threats by Iran to block the Strait. To date there are no reports of direct military disruption of shipping through the Strait.
- Closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have a significant impact on oil and [REDACTED] markets. A quarter (25%) of global seaborne oil trade and s. 22(1)(a)(ii) [REDACTED] transits through the Strait of Hormuz.
- s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
- Domestic fuel reserves under the MSO guarantee a minimum buffer of around 4-5 weeks to withstand a complete disruption, and much longer for more likely partial disruptions
- Stocks held under the MSO as of 17/6/2025 are the following:
- Petrol: 38 days equivalent
- Jet Fuel: 29 days equivalent
- Diesel: 32 days equivalent
- This includes refined products in Australia and its EEZ, and some crude oil and unfinished stocks held at refineries.
- As at 25 June there are 3 MSO temporary reductions in place – despite this stock holdings exceed full MSO requirements. These reduce the total volumes required to
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held by: petrol - 28 ML (2.6% of total petrol MSO), diesel - 43 ML (1.7% of total diesel MSO). There are currently no temporary reductions in place for Jet Fuel.
# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
*Table: Domestic Fuel Reserves and MSO*
| Product | Requirement FY2024/25* (importers + refiners) | Actual ML at 10/6/2025 (% of holdings v MSO) | Actual ML at 17/6/2025 (% of holdings v MSO) | Days equivalent 10/6/2025 | Days equivalent 17/6/2025 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Petrol | 1,070 ML Comprised of: 27 days for importers 24 days for refiners | 1,558 ML (146% of MSO) | 1,651 ML (154% of MSO) | 35 | 38 |
| Jet fuel | 581 ML Comprised of: 27 days for importers 24 days for refiners | 819 ML (141% of MSO) | 726 ML (125% of MSO) | 31 | 29 |
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| **Diesel** | 2,485 ML Comprised of: 32 days for importers 20 days for refiners | 2,935 ML (118% of MSO) | 2,903 ML (117% of MSO) | 32 | 32 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
\* excluding any temporary reductions approved under Section 18 of the *Fuel Security Act 2021*.
# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
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Department of Climate Change, Energy,
the Environment and Water
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MB26-900039
To: Minister for Climate Change and Energy
Cc: Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
# **MEETING - DR FATIH BIROL, IEA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR**
| **Date** | Monday, 23 March 2026 |
| --- | --- |
| **Time** | 08:30-09:00 |
| **Location** | Your office, APH |
| **Meeting with** | Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency (IEA) |
**Prior meetings**
**s. 33**
**Is this meeting organised by a lobbyist organisation?**
No
**What we want**
- Bring attention to the domestic sensitivities arising from the Middle East conflict s. 33
- Noting the impacts of the Strait of Hormuz closure are heavily regionalised, s. 33
- s. 33
**s. 22(1)(a)(ii)**
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# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
What they want
Issues/Sensitivities
Fuel Security
- s. 33
- A breakdown of IEA Members contributions to the Collective Action was published on 19 March Paris time.
s. 33
s. 33 The breakdown shows
Australia will contribute 4.8 million barrels through the temporary reduction of the Minimum Stockholding Obligation,
- s. 33
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• s. 33
# s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
# **Consultation**
YES
DCCEEW: Energy Security Taskforce, COP31 Taskforce
# **Attachments**
A: Talking points
| Clearing Officer: | Amanda Wormald | Branch Head Net Zero Pathways, International Climate and Energy Division | Mob: s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Chao Feng | Branch Head (ag) Negotiations Branch, International Climate and Negotiations Division | Mob: s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| Contact Officer: | s. 22(1)(a)(ii) | Director, Multilateral, Net Zero Pathways, International Climate and Energy Division | Mob: s. 22(1)(a)(ii) |
| Date cleared: | 20/03/2026 | Date sent to MO: | 20/03/2026 |
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