The Daily Aus Headlines: PM announces fuel supply taskforce to address shortages
Mar 19, 2026
A new national fuel supply taskforce is created to tackle shortages tied to Middle East disruptions. Investigations probe major fuel firms over possible anti-competitive behaviour. A Category 5 cyclone, Narelle, is barreling toward far north Queensland with rare historic significance. The ASX200 tumbles amid energy-related shocks. The World Happiness Report names Finland top again.
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New National Fuel Supply Taskforce
- Anthony Albanese announced a national fuel supply taskforce with a coordinator and state/territory reps to tackle shortages linked to the Middle East conflict.
- The taskforce follows shipping disruptions after US and Israel strikes closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route.
Regulator Probes Fuel Suppliers
- The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission launched probes into major suppliers including Ampol and BP Australia over alleged anti-competitive conduct.
- The investigation runs alongside political scrutiny, with Opposition leader Angus Taylor calling the taskforce window dressing.
Category 5 Cyclone Heading For Cape York
- Tropical Cyclone Narelle, a Category 5 system, was forecast to hit a remote community north of Cairns around 10am AEST the next day.
- It would be the first Category 5 to strike Cape York since Cyclone Mahina in 1899 and the fourth across Queensland in recent years.