7am Can Singapore help with Australia’s fuel problem?
Apr 10, 2026
Tony Wood, Energy and Climate Change Senior Fellow at the Grattan Institute, explains shipping uncertainty through the Strait of Hormuz and why disruptions ripple into Australia. He discusses what would be needed for safe reopening, Singapore’s role supplying half of Australia’s petrol, and realistic diplomatic and trading steps Canberra can pursue to shore up fuel security.
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Strait Of Hormuz Remains Fragile
- The Strait of Hormuz is only half open and uncertainty means shipping remains near a standstill despite a ceasefire.
- Tony Wood warns reopening depends on permissions, potential fees and any physical damage to Gulf infrastructure that could take years to fix.
Hormuz Disruption Hits Global Supply Chains
- About 20% of global crude passes through the strait, and disruptions affect more than Iranian oil — supplies from Kuwait and Saudi are hit too.
- Tony Wood highlights knock-on impacts on products like fertiliser and the complex refining chain that feeds Australia via Singapore and Malaysia.
Accelerate Electric Vehicle Rollout
- Do accelerate electric vehicle adoption to reduce reliance on imported liquid fuels and cut emissions simultaneously.
- Tony Wood says EV push gives a double benefit: less exposure to Gulf shocks and alignment with climate goals.