750 聯邦政府石油燃料政策

伊朗封鎖霍爾木茲海峽, 全球20%原油供應受到限制, 不單引來原油價格上漲, 更令到石油燃料供應緊張, 現時澳洲全國只有39天汽油、29天柴油及29天飛機燃油儲備。有一些加油站出現燃料供應不足情況, 使阿爾巴尼斯政府, 受到極大壓力。

澳洲汽油主要用於家居汽車用途, 有人表示汽油價格上升已令到他們出行費用大增,要求留在家中辦公。要是汽油供應真的出現不足, 政府相信也會如在新冠疫情期間, 再次推行在家辦公政策。維州及塔州政府, 已率先推行在4月免費使用公共交通政策, 紓緩公眾的不滿。柴油主要用在貨車運輸、公共交通工具及農業操作之中, 柴油短缺將直接影響澳洲經濟生產。飛機燃油供應直接影響澳洲與世界各國人口及貨物的流動, 在今天互聯網經濟社會更為重要。

總理阿爾巴尼斯在上週發表了對能源危機的全國演說, 表示已與各州政府商討對策, 面對現時危機, 能源部長鮑文在週一也表示澳洲五月燃料供應已得到保證。不過若伊朗的戰事持續, 澳洲主要從亞洲國家獲取供應的石油燃料, 不單價格上升, 供應量或會出現變數, 澳洲將陷進危機,如何可以面對仍是未知。

政府時時的回應, 反映出聯邦政府缺乏能源安全的長遠計劃及即時應變能力。在美伊開戰至今,聯邦政府仍沒有要求能源供應商提高庫存要求。一直以來, 澳洲並沒有開發後備的煉油企業, 或是在國家工業整體規劃中, 對石油燃料的倚頼或庫存, 加入更多的國家安全考量。

其實, 近年來地緣政治的發展及國際關係的變化, 已令全球國家對自身安全有更多的思考。澳洲2024年推出的國家策略防衛檢討, 已提出要有整全政府的防衛概念, 澳洲能源安全政策,其實也應包括在內。

周偉文 社長

Federal Government Petroleum Fuel Policy

Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has restricted 20% of the global crude oil supply. This has not only driven up oil prices but also created a shortage in fuel supply. Currently, Australia has only 39 days of petrol reserves, 29 days of diesel, and 29 days of aviation fuel. Some petrol stations have already experienced fuel shortages, placing significant pressure on the Albanese government.

Petrol in Australia is mainly used for private vehicles. Many people have said that rising petrol prices have significantly increased their travel expenses, prompting calls for working from home. If petrol supplies become insufficient, the government may once again implement remote work policies. The governments of Victoria and Tasmania have already taken the lead by introducing free public transport in April to ease public dissatisfaction.

Diesel is primarily used in freight transport, public transportation, and agricultural operations. A shortage of diesel would directly impact Australia’s economic productivity. Aviation fuel supply affects the movement of people and goods between Australia and the rest of the world—something even more critical in today’s interconnected, internet-driven economy.

Prime Minister Albanese delivered a national address on the energy crisis last week, stating that discussions have been held with state governments on response measures. Energy Minister Chris Bowen also said on Monday that Australia’s fuel supply for May has been secured. However, if the conflict involving Iran continues, relying solely on fuel imports from Asian countries may lead to rising prices and uncertain supply levels. How Australia will handle this crisis remains unclear.

The government’s current response reflects a lack of long-term planning for energy security, as well as insufficient capacity for immediate crisis management. Since the outbreak of conflict between the United States and Iran, the federal government is yet to require energy suppliers to increase fuel reserves. Moreover, Australia has not developed backup refining capabilities, nor has it incorporated sufficient national security considerations into its overall industrial planning regarding reliance on or stockpiling of petroleum fuels.

In fact, in recent years, geopolitical developments and changes in international relations have prompted countries around the world to rethink their own security. Australia’s 2024 Defence Strategic Review has already proposed a whole-of-government approach to national defense. Energy security policy should, in fact, be included within such a framework.

Mr. Raymond Chow, Publisher