Senator Wong travelling to Japan, South Korea and China to secure Australian fuel supplies

In addition, Senator Wong will be attending eighth Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

“Australia will continue working with international partners to help secure the supplies we need, including diesel, petrol and fertiliser, and ensure Australia is prioritised as a reliable energy partner,” according to Senator Wong.

“The Republic of Korea is one of Australia’s most important sources of refined fuels, including diesel, automotive gasoline and aviation fuel.

“Australia and Japan are Special Strategic Partners and close friends, with a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and mutual interests. Together, we support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

“The Australian Government remains committed to a stable and constructive relationship with China, which is in the interests of both our countries.

Australia and China have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and benefit from deep economic ties, with our trade relationship underpinning supply chains, investment and livelihoods in both economies.

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Dialogue between our countries enables us to progress the full range of our interests and manage our differences.”

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, speaking to a press conference in Bendigo earlier this week, said securing fuel supplies are of critical importance to Australia.

“Now, clearly the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting global fuel supply chains. There's no secret about that. And from the moment that became the case, we have been very active in scouring the world for additional sources of supply for fuel into Australia,” he said.

“That's why you've seen the Prime Minister visit Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia. It's why you're seeing the foreign minister now going to China, Japan, Korea, and we'll continue to do that work.

“We have been able to secure significant supply to Australia, which has been really important. But we're also mindful of a range of possibilities going forward. It's why we put in place the national fuel security plan that we have to contemplate the range of scenarios which may occur as we move forward.

“Obviously, we want to see the Strait of Hormuz open as soon as possible, but that's not within our power. So we will be vigilant in the way in which we go about this, and that very much involves being out there on the job securing as much fuel for our country as we can.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.