Radio National Breakfast Iran casts a long shadow over Australian politics
Mar 26, 2026
Stephanie Borys, Radio National political correspondent, provides on-the-ground reporting. Karen Barlow, chief political correspondent at The Saturday Paper, offers sharp political analysis. Phil Coorey, political editor at the AFR, breaks down federal strategy. They discuss national cabinet’s fuel crisis response, regional diesel shortages, government communication and transparency, EU trade deal reactions and shifting global alliances.
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Market Panic Caused Regional Diesel Shortages
- The fuel shortage is a distribution and market failure rather than pure lack of supply.
- Phil Coorey explains wholesalers hoarding stocks amid spot-market spikes has left regional diesel shortages that threaten farms and transport.
Use National Coordination To Prioritise Regional Fuel
- Governments should use national coordination and funding to prioritise regional diesel distribution and consider temporary controls.
- Stephanie Borys says premiers want a national approach and funding will likely fall to Canberra while states manage restrictions and rationing.
Transparency Beats 'Dont Panic' Messaging
- Clear, transparent communication matters more than slogans when people see empty pumps.
- Karen Barlow argues 'don't panic' backfires and calls for transparency to rebuild trust amid visible shortages and political opportunism.