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Public transport will be free in two Australian states due to increasing fuel shortages caused by the Iran war.
Commuters in Victoria will be able to travel on trains, trams and buses for free for one month from March 31, a move described as a “temporary measure” to offset rising fuel prices.
Meanwhile, in Tasmania, bus and ferry fares have been waived from March 30 to July 1.
Since the outbreak of the Iran war, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have been severely restricted and fuel prices soared in 2017. Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Petrol prices in Australia have rocketed from a pre-war average of $1.70 a liter (£0.88) to around $2.50 a liter at some bowsers, local media reported.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said on Sunday that offering free public transport would make it more affordable for people to choose public transport over driving.
“This is a temporary measure to help with living costs – it will take the pressure off and help you save,” he says.
“This will not solve all the problems, but it is a quick step to help Victorians now as we continue to work on new solutions to make Victoria more affordable.”
A bus in Melbourne, where public transport will be free for a month. photo: iStock
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the state’s residents were increasingly choosing public transport over driving, with a 20% increase seen in the past week.
“We know rising fuel prices are impacting family budgets, and that’s why we’re taking strong and decisive action again to protect Tasmanians,” he said.
“We are taking action to support Tasmanians when they need it most, by delivering one of the most significant measures to reduce the cost of living in the state.”
Hobart in Tasmania. photo: iStock
Across Australia, some petrol stations have run out of fuel due to panic buying and fuel shortages, especially in remote areas.
The country has also drawn petrol and diesel from domestic reserves to ease shortages impacting rural, mining and agricultural supply chains.
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With 80% of Asia’s oil and LNG flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, the region has been hit hard by fuel shortages and rising prices.
China has banned exports of refined fuel to prevent potential domestic fuel shortages.
Rising fuel prices have sparked protests in the Philippines, with government offices now only open four days a week. Bureaucrats should also limit the use of air conditioning to temperatures cooler than 24C.
India’s government has given households priority over businesses in allocation of liquefied petroleum gas, which is mainly used for cooking, and has absorbed most of the price increases to keep costs low for poor families.
The shortage has forced some restaurants to shorten opening hours and stop serving foods that take a lot of cooking energy, such as curries and fried snacks.
In Thailand, public workers are told to use stairs instead of lifts.
