This blog is closing now but our live coverage of the Iran war continues in a new blog here, including a recap of the latest news developments. Thanks for reading.
In Australia, people are being urged to maintain their travel plans for the Easter weekend even though hundreds of petrol stations – mostly in rural areas – are without fuel on Saturday as the Iran war continues to strain the nation’s fuel supply.
“Easter is a very special time of faith and family,” energy minister Chris Bowen said in televised remarks. “We encourage people to feel free to stick to your plans, go and see your family, go take a break – but get no more fuel than you need.”
Australia imports about 90% of its fuel and has experienced shortages during the war. As a result, some have cancelled travel plans for the long holiday weekend – typically one of Australia’s busiest travel times.
Bowen said the nation had 39 days’ worth of petrol, 29 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel, Reuters reports.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese warned in a rare address to the nation this week that the economic shocks of the war would be felt for months and encouraged citizens to take public transport.
Updated
