NRMA ‘Running On Empty’: Australia’s Worrying Dependence On Foreign Fuel

A new report from the NRMA titled ‘Running On Empty’ has highlighted the vulnerability of Australia’s fuel supply.

The motoring group says our dependence on imported transport fuel has risen from 60 percent in 2000 to 91 percent last year; and it could soon be close to 100 percent.

The report says Australia is the only International Energy Association member that does not meet its 90-day fuel stock obligation, with stocks falling to 60 days at May 2013 from 71 days in October 2012.

If deliveries ceased tomorrow, it is estimated that fuel supply in service stations for domestic use would dry up in just three days.

This would be followed by a flow-on effect to pharmaceutical goods and food supplies in supermarkets, after seven days.