In brief:
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended a virtual summit of around 50 countries to discuss the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The strait was confirmed as open to commercial vessels during the meeting, but only for as long as ceasefires hold.
Australia is set to participate in an international effort aimed at securing the continuous flow of shipping from the Middle East, as global leaders express cautious optimism over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the renewed access to this crucial maritime passage as a “fragile arrangement.” His comments followed a summit involving around 50 nations that convened to back a sustained ceasefire in the tumultuous region.
Albanese emphasized the need for the strait to be fully and permanently reopened to all nations, facilitating the resumption of shipping activities under the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative. This follows the recent conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran.
“Our aim is to see a de-escalation of tensions, an open Strait of Hormuz, and a prohibition on privatization and tolls,” he stated during a press conference in Sydney.
“We hope for confirmation of this delicate arrangement and the uninterrupted passage of ships,” he added.
The Prime Minister noted that disruptions have been particularly impactful in Asia, as the majority of oil transported through the strait is destined for this region.
“Freedom of navigation is essential for global trade,” he said.
“It is how the world operates, not just in fuel but in other areas … and the precedent that would be created if a country was allowed to close a navigation strait to international traffic, would change the very way the global economy operates.”
Australia ‘ready’ to back Hormuz security efforts
Albanese also said that the nation formally backed coordinated international diplomacy to help resolve the Middle East conflict.
“Australia stands ready to support efforts to restore stability and security in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
“We want to see this hold.”
He also reiterated Australia’s commitment to join a meeting of military planners in London next week as part of a bid to create an international mission to restore maritime security.
“In London, there will be discussion about what assets might be required,” he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said a meeting of military planners would take place in London next week as part of a bid to create an international mission to restore maritime security.
However, US President Donald Trump told the country’s North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies to “stay away”.
“Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL.”
Asked whether Australians would be prepared to offer defensive assets, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said a diplomatic approach was preferred.
Wong commented on the back of a visit to Singapore with Trade Minister Don Farrell on Friday.
The pair signed a supply agreement with Singaporean foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan and energy minister Tan See Leeng designed to strengthen energy security in the region.
“The protocol reflects the priority we accord each other with respect to trade in essential supplies, including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and liquefied natural gas,” the ministers said in a joint statement issued on Friday evening.
Fuel supply update
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday that 61 fuel tankers were en route to Australia, up from 57 last weekend.
“Today Australia has 46 days’ worth of petrol on hand in our stock holdings,” he said.
“That’s eight days more than the update last week.”
However, Energy Economics and Financial Analysis spokesman Kevin Morrison said it could be some time before effects are felt at the bowser.
“They’ve declared the strait is open, but we’ve still got to work through the mechanics of what that actually means,” he told ABC News.
“It’s not like we can go back to full production as it was before the conflict started.
“There’s estimates … it’s going to take about five, six weeks before we get 80 per cent of the oil that’s been affected coming back online.
“I don’t think we can expect cheaper oil prices in the foreseeable future.”
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