Australia Buys Aviation Fuel from China, Urea from Brunei Amid Middle East Conflict
In response to energy shortages caused by the Middle East conflict, the Australian government announced it has purchased 600,000 barrels of aviation fuel from China, which is expected to double the country's overall stockpile. It is also procuring 38,500 tonnes of agricultural-grade urea from Brunei. Both purchases are financed by a newly established A$7.5 billion fuel and fertilizer security fund.
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- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 14:24
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(CNA, Sydney, 19th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) The Australian government stated today that to address energy shortages resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, it has procured 600,000 barrels of aviation fuel from China, which is expected to double Australia's overall aviation fuel stocks. Simultaneously, it has also procured agricultural-grade urea from Brunei.
According to combined reports from AFP and Reuters, the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused global fuel prices to soar, leading to an energy crisis for many Asia-Pacific countries. Australia's tourism and freight export sectors, which are highly reliant on air transport, have also faced severe impacts.
Australian authorities stated that following talks between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on energy security issues last month, this batch of over 600,000 barrels of aviation fuel will begin arriving in Australia in installments from June. Additionally, Australia has separately procured 38,500 tonnes of agricultural urea from Brunei to support farmers and the agricultural sector.
The funding for these two batches of supplies comes from Australia's newly established A$7.5 billion (approximately NT$169.4 billion) fuel and fertilizer security fund.
Last year, China supplied one-third of Australia's aviation fuel and is also a major importer of Australian iron ore, coal, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Australian officials said that Canberra had previously emphasized to Beijing that a stable supply of aviation fuel would help support Australia's resource industry.
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell is expected to meet with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Suzhou, China this week, with talks to be held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers' Meeting.
Last year, the total trade between Australia and China reached A$326 billion (approximately NT$7.3 trillion), dominated by Australia's commodity exports.
Farrell is expected to arrive in Tokyo today to hold consultations on energy security and trade issues. Japan is another major buyer of Australian LNG and coal. (Translator: Chang Ming-hsuan)
According to combined reports from AFP and Reuters, the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused global fuel prices to soar, leading to an energy crisis for many Asia-Pacific countries. Australia's tourism and freight export sectors, which are highly reliant on air transport, have also faced severe impacts.
Australian authorities stated that following talks between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on energy security issues last month, this batch of over 600,000 barrels of aviation fuel will begin arriving in Australia in installments from June. Additionally, Australia has separately procured 38,500 tonnes of agricultural urea from Brunei to support farmers and the agricultural sector.
The funding for these two batches of supplies comes from Australia's newly established A$7.5 billion (approximately NT$169.4 billion) fuel and fertilizer security fund.
Last year, China supplied one-third of Australia's aviation fuel and is also a major importer of Australian iron ore, coal, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Australian officials said that Canberra had previously emphasized to Beijing that a stable supply of aviation fuel would help support Australia's resource industry.
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell is expected to meet with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Suzhou, China this week, with talks to be held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers' Meeting.
Last year, the total trade between Australia and China reached A$326 billion (approximately NT$7.3 trillion), dominated by Australia's commodity exports.
Farrell is expected to arrive in Tokyo today to hold consultations on energy security and trade issues. Japan is another major buyer of Australian LNG and coal. (Translator: Chang Ming-hsuan)