7am Covid-level crisis? How Australia ignored fuel warnings
Mar 23, 2026
John Blackburn, former Deputy Chief of the RAAF and chair of the Institute of Economic Research Australia, outlines Australia's fragile fuel system. He discusses real petrol shortages, wider supply impacts on fertilizers and helium, the role of poor government messaging in sparking panic, and proposals like bilateral refinery deals and diversified fuel strategies.
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Supply Shock Will Hit Far Beyond Petrol
- Australia will face actual fuel shortages, not just price shocks, once supply through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.
- John Blackburn links rising fertiliser, specialty chemicals and helium shortages to the same supply disruption, showing the crisis reaches far beyond petrol.
Stop Panic Buying To Protect Supply Lines
- Avoid panic buying and limit purchases to what you need to prevent overwhelming a supply chain designed for normal demand.
- Blackburn warns confused government messaging has doubled perceived demand and pushed consumption to ~150%, straining logistics.
Use Remote Work To Reduce Fuel Demand
- Encourage work-from-home and flexible arrangements now to reduce fuel consumption and preserve national reserves.
- Blackburn says targeted reduction in commuting can stretch limited stocks while supply responses are organised.