Global diesel crisis costs Australia $9 billion in six months, the heaviest
Australia spent an extra $9 billion on diesel imports in six months during a global fuel crisis, more than any other country.
Australia paid $9 billion in additional diesel import costs between March and August alone, exceeding the bills of Brazil, South Africa, France and the UK combined. Australia paid about $324 per person in additional diesel costs.
The country also paid an extra $1.6 billion for petrol imports. Australia is the world's largest seaborne importer of diesel, with 90 per cent of supply coming from overseas.
Diesel use has more than doubled since 2000 to 33 billion litres a year, with about a quarter used in mining. The Climate Council's report found electric vehicles and hybrids saved Australians $1.7 billion in fuel costs, but Australia remains slow to adopt electric trucks, which make up only 0.7 per cent of new sales.
- $9 billion over six months
- Additional diesel cost
- $324
- Cost per Australian
- 90 per cent of supply
- Diesel from overseas
- 33 billion litres in 2025
- Annual diesel use
Why it mattersHigh fuel costs flow through the entire economy, raising supermarket prices and supply chain costs, and putting Australia's energy security in the hands of global markets.
AustraliaAustralia's dependence on imported diesel makes every Australian vulnerable to global fuel shocks. Switching to electric vehicles and removing diesel tax credits could protect the country from future price spikes.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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