Summary
Australia has secured an extra 250,000 tonnes of fertiliser from Indonesia to support farmers for the current planting season. Prime Minister Albanese cut short a trip to Malaysia to visit a fuel refinery in Geelong after a fire that may affect fuel supplies.
Key Facts
- Australia will receive 250,000 tonnes of agricultural-grade urea fertiliser from Indonesia, covering about 20% of the current planting season's needs.
- The deal involves the companies Incitec Pivot Fertilisers and PT Pupuk Indonesia, with support from the Australian and Indonesian governments.
- The Albanese government is also securing additional diesel supplies from South Korea and Brunei to counter fuel disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.
- Prime Minister Albanese ended his fuel security visit to Malaysia early after a large fire damaged part of the Geelong refinery, one of Australia’s two remaining fuel refineries.
- The fire could worsen fuel shortages in parts of Victoria, and officials will assess its impact on fuel supply in the coming days.
- Albanese, along with the energy and defence ministers, plans to visit the refinery to oversee the situation.
- The government emphasizes the importance of strong regional partnerships for food and fuel security amid global uncertainties.
