Australia and Singapore have agreed to make “maximum efforts” to meet each other’s fuel and gas requirements as global energy uncertainty deepens due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured the commitment during talks with his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, in a meeting that underscored the strategic importance of the two nations’ energy partnership even though the agreement is not legally binding.
The discussions took place at the Istana, Mr Wong’s official working office, following Mr Albanese’s tour of Jurong Island, one of the world’s largest refining hubs where crude oil is processed into fuel. Singapore is Australia’s biggest supplier of petrol and its second‑largest source of diesel and jet fuel. But with crude supplies tightening globally, concerns are growing that refineries may scale back production, prompting more countries to impose export controls.
“In a time of global uncertainty and at a time like this, trust, friendship, and cooperation with our neighbours matter more than ever before,” Mr Albanese said, emphasising that the partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring energy security for both nations.
He noted that roughly a quarter of Australia’s fuel comes from Singapore’s refineries, while about one‑third of Singapore’s LNG supply is sourced from Australia. The new agreement, he said, focuses on “maximising contributions” and reaffirming Australia’s reliability as a gas exporter.
Mr Albanese added that as new LNG fields come online over time, Australia will remain ready to support Singapore’s needs through commercial channels. “If Singapore requires further LNG, we will continue to provide support,” he said.
The commitment comes as both countries brace for potential disruptions in global supply chains, with energy markets already strained by geopolitical tensions.
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