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Donald Trump expressed that he is “very surprised” Australia has not sent warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as the blockade of this key strategic route for global oil supply continues to affect fuel prices.
“I was very surprised,” the US president said in Washington on Friday when asked about his concerns regarding Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
“Well, they should get involved and I was a little bit surprised that they said no, because we always say yes to them,” he told Sky News Australia.
Trump did not specify what exactly Australia had declined to do when asked.
Earlier this week, Trump criticized Japan, Australia, and South Korea for refusing to send warships to the Gulf.
“The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East,” he posted on social media.
“We no longer ‘need’ or desire, the NATO Countries’ assistance – WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea.”
Also on Friday, the president condemned NATO, calling alliance members “cowards” for not wanting “to help open” the Strait of Hormuz.
The globally vital shipping lanes between Oman and Iran have been closed since shortly after the latest Middle Eastern conflict began three weeks ago, causing significant disruptions in fuel markets.
The International Energy Agency has warned that the conflict, triggered by US-Israel strikes on Iran in February, represents the “greatest threat to global energy supply in the history of the world.”
Consumers across Australia are feeling the impact, with soaring prices at petrol stations. For example, a regional New South Wales fuel retailer recently charged $3.39 per litre for both unleaded petrol and diesel, while in Sydney, diesel prices have exceeded $3 per litre.
On Saturday, the Australian treasurer praised the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s urgent interim authorisation on fuel supply, which permits companies to discuss, exchange information about, and coordinate fuel supply across Australia. This was described as a “decisive action to … keep fuel flowing to where it’s most needed.”
The ACCC clarified in a statement on Friday that the authorisation does not allow fuel suppliers to share information about pricing.
“It’s really important that the big players in the fuel markets don’t treat this as a chance to disadvantage the independents who play a vital role including in regional Australia,” Jim Chalmers said, adding that “anyone breaking the rules must have the book thrown at them.”
To help offset rising fuel costs, DoorDash announced on Saturday a temporary fuel relief program, acknowledging the “significant challenge” rising fuel prices pose for its drivers.
Cash relief will be provided to drivers who complete 100 km or more in deliveries per week, with these costs not passed on to customers.
On Friday, Uber announced it would raise prices to strike “the right balance between supporting strong earning opportunities for driver partners while continuing to offer reliable, affordable options for riders.”
In a statement, the rideshare company said the price increase would boost driver earnings by an average of 6% across Australia.
“We know operating costs, including fuel, remain front of mind for many driver partners, making continued support more important than ever,” the company said.
Its competitor, DiDi, raised prices earlier this week, with customers across Australia now paying an extra 5 cents per kilometre.
