 "Representational image. Reuters")
Public transport will be made free in parts of Australia as authorities respond to rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
The state of Victoria, home to Melbourne, announced free travel across trains, trams, and buses throughout April. Meanwhile, Tasmania will waive fares from Monday until the end of June.
Reducing reliance on private vehicle
The move is aimed at reducing reliance on private vehicles as petrol costs surge globally following disruptions tied to the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz which is a critical route for global oil and gas shipments.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said the measure is intended to ease immediate pressure on households.
“This won’t solve every problem, but it’s an immediate step to help Victorians right now,” she said.
In Tasmania, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the decision was aimed at supporting families facing higher fuel costs. The plan also includes making school bus services free, offering additional weekly savings for commuters.
Other states conserving resources
Other states, however, have opted not to follow suit. In New South Wales, Transport Minister John Graham said the government was conserving resources to manage what could be a prolonged increase in demand for public transport.
Authorities in South Australia are expanding senior travel concessions while absorbing higher fuel costs, while Queensland highlighted its previously introduced low flat fare system.
Western Australia has also pointed to already reduced fares, with Premier Roger Cook noting fares are at historically low levels.
Fuel prices skyrocketed in Australia
Fuel prices across Australia have climbed sharply, with average petrol costs rising to A$2.38 per litre, up from around A$2.09 at the onset of the conflict, according to the Australian Institute of Petroleum.
The federal government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has reassured the public that fuel supply remains stable, attributing the price spike to global oil market pressures rather than shortages.
India delivered petroleum to Sri Lanka
Recently, India has delivered 38,000 metric tonnes (MT) of petroleum to Sri Lanka — comprising 20,000 MT of diesel and 18,000 MT of petrol — as Colombo also grapples with supply disruptions triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is open for ‘friendly nations’ including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan, the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.
Other countries working to save energy
Egypt has introduced early business closures and remote work measures, while Ethiopia has asked public sector institutions to reduce commuting by placing non-essential staff on leave.
In Philippines, authorities have declared a national emergency , rolled out subsidies for transport workers, cut ferry services, and introduced a four-day work week for civil servants in response to rising fuel costs.