The federal government is contemplating additional economic relief measures for Australians, following the launch of a new advertising campaign that encourages drivers to reduce fuel consumption to help stabilize supply.

Transport Minister Catherine King, during an interview on ABC’s Insiders program, didn’t dismiss the possibility of extending the current fuel excise cut. However, she noted that any decision regarding this would be made during the budget discussions in May.

King confirmed that the government is actively considering further support options for both households and businesses.

“These are all factors we are examining as part of the budget process,” she stated on Sunday.

She also emphasized the government’s pragmatic approach towards achieving a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East.

“The Middle East is a complex geopolitical region, and solutions are rarely swift or straightforward,” King remarked. “We must prepare for the implications this has on businesses, farming communities, and the continuous transport of goods and services, ensuring that communities across the nation remain connected and supported.”

Her comments were made before US vice president JD Vance announced that peace negotiations between Iran and the United States meet in Pakistan failed to reach a deal six weeks after the war began, amid a fragile temporary ceasefire and the ongoing closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

“Even if the [Strait of Hormuz] opens tomorrow, there’s a long tail to this,” King said.

“We don’t know what damage has been done to infrastructure. We don’t know how quickly shipping can resume as normal, what the consequences of all that are.”

Australians urged to slow down to conserve fuel

The government campaign, called “Every little bit helps”, will start rolling out on Monday and will include ads on TV, billboards and online.

The campaign is designed to inform Australians about the four-level National Security Plan and encourage them to do what they can to help amid the fuel crisis.

The National Security Plan, a guide aimed at managing fuel supply chain pressures, currently sits at Level 2 — or “keep Australia moving” — which means fuel supply is holding up, but the government is taking precautionary measures to shore up supplies.

At this level, the advice is: “Only buy the fuel you need. Make voluntary choices to use less and avoid the impact of higher fuel prices.”

Australia would shift to Level 3 if there were ongoing supply disruptions, which would shift focus to “getting fuel to where it’s needed most” and adopting “practical measures to limit fuel use”.

King emphasised that the global fuel shortage is affecting everyone and every little bit helps.

“From running errands in fewer trips to only filling up with the fuel you need, this will help us keep essential services moving,” she said in a press release.

The government’s campaign includes a list of actions Australians can take to save fuel.

They include:

• Plan trips and combine errands into one trip, as lots of short trips use more fuel.
• Look after your vehicle’s tyres and inflate them to the highest pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
• Minimise cargo your vehicle carries.
• Remove roof racks and spoilers. Increased air resistance can lead to a significant increase in fuel consumption.
• Use air conditioning and heating on low settings. Adjusting temperature levels to reduce fuel consumption.
• Only fill up with the fuel you need.
• Don’t overfill the fuel tank — stop at the first click. Additional fuel can be lost in overflow and evaporation.

It also encourages people to minimise engine idling while parked, avoid unnecessary acceleration and driving at high speeds, and harsh breaking — all of which can increase fuel consumption.

Where possible, it recommends Australians to consider using public transport, walking or cycling, carpooling and avoiding peak hour traffic.

The campaign has already drawn Coalition backlash.

“Frankly, I don’t think Australians want to be lectured by taxpayer-funded political propaganda about driving less,” Opposition defence spokesperson James Paterson told Sky News.

“They want a government that does its job and makes sure that we are supplied with the refined fuel that we need.”

The government announced last month it would halve the fuel excise, a flat tax on petrol and diesel by the federal government, for three months in order to bring relief at the bowser.

For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.