The Australian Federal Government is set to launch a new advertising initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to conserve fuel in light of ongoing global oil supply challenges. The campaign, which is estimated to cost up to $20 million, will officially begin this Monday and is titled “Every little bit helps.”
This national campaign will be visible across various platforms including television, digital media, and outdoor locations like billboards. The initiative not only urges Australians to limit their car usage but also shares practical advice for enhancing vehicle fuel efficiency, such as maintaining smooth driving habits and reducing unnecessary weight in vehicles.
According to Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, the campaign is designed to effectively communicate the government’s strategies to the public. She stated, “The global fuel shortage impacts everyone, and small actions can contribute significantly. Whether it’s combining errands or only purchasing the fuel you need, these steps will help maintain the operation of essential services.” Minister King emphasized that this campaign, alongside the recently approved National Fuel Security Plan, is crucial for keeping the public informed about the situation and any potential changes.
Currently, Australia is at the second stage of the National Fuel Security Plan, known as “Keep Australia moving.” This phase is marked by localized fuel disruptions, necessitating additional efforts from government entities to secure fuel supplies from international partners.
In recent days, the opposition has intensified its calls for greater transparency regarding the nation’s fuel security, with Angus Taylor advocating for the establishment of a public data dashboard to keep citizens informed. He remarked, “The current lack of transparency is shaking Australians’ confidence in the prevailing situation.”
The announcement of the “Every little bit helps” initiative coincided with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s return to Australia after finalizing a strengthened agreement with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The two leaders committed to ensuring a steady flow of fuel and gas between their countries.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen praised Mr. Albanese’s recent visit to Singapore, calling it a significant achievement. Bowen noted, “The Prime Minister made great strides in our discussions yesterday, and we will continue to build on this progress.” He also provided an update on Australia’s fuel reserves, reporting a decrease in petrol and jet fuel supplies but an increase in diesel reserves.
As of Saturday, Australia has 38 days’ worth of petrol, 31 days of diesel, and 28 days’ worth of jet fuel in reserve. Bowen reassured the public that the nation is in a strong position despite the current oil crisis, stating, “These figures represent reserves, and do not reflect the fuel available in vehicles or service stations across the country.” He further confirmed that 57 tankers carrying various types of fuel are currently en route to Australia, with four weeks of orders already secured. “For the upcoming month, we have confirmed 4.1 billion liters of fuel set aside for Australia,” Bowen added.
