Australian PM shores up fuel supply

Albanese's diplomatic mission follows a recent deal with Singapore and comes amid dire predictions of mass unemployment if oil prices continue to spike.

The federal government has also launched a $20 million campaign urging citizens to conserve fuel, a move that has been criticized by the opposition as a costly distraction.

Western Australia is even considering creating its own strategic diesel stockpile to protect its agriculture and resource industries.

These measures highlight the nation's extreme vulnerability to the ongoing Middle East conflict and the urgent need for diversified energy sources.