Australians asked to Work From Home Due to Fuel Crisis

Editorial Assistant Maryam Bokhari summarises the focal government actions and public discourse surrounding the current fuel insecurity in Australia

With fuel prices rising due to the US-Israel war on Iran, Australians are recommended to work from home in an effort to control the national oil supply. As of 21 March 2026, the most expensive petrol in Sydney was in Lewisham, at just over $2.79 per litre, with the nation’s average sitting at $2.45 [1]. At least 42 New South Wales (‘NSW’) petrol stations are currently out of fuel, with nearly twice that number lacking diesel. 

The International Energy Agency has recommended that Australians work from home when possible, use public transport, and adopt more efficient driving practices [1]. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified that working from home is not a mandate but “a suggestion to the world” [1]. Albanese also emphasised that the fuel shortages are an issue of oil demand and distribution rather than a lack of supply. This has reignited the ‘working from home’ debate and the long-term practical effectiveness of these recommendations. 

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (‘ACCC’) has allowed fuel companies to communicate information about fuel supply during this crisis. This initiative will enable fuel to reach areas requiring frequent access, such as rural NSW, but will prevent fuel companies from entering into agreements on fuel prices [1]. 

However, oil supplies are projected to run out by April, and concerns are rising about access to supplies from depleting refineries in Asia, prompting panicked Australians to buy more petrol than they need [2]. Critics have also pointed out that the ACCC have yet to substantially prevent fuel companies from price gouging. Australians are urging the government to not get involved in the war, citing that business owners and consumers will have to bear its economic burden. 

by Maryam Bokhari

References 

[1] Sahyoun, J. (2026, March 21). Australians urged to work from home as petrol prices reach eye-watering new highs across Sydney and Melbourne. 9News. https://www.9news.com.au/national/aussies-urged-to-work-from-home-as-fuel-prices-rise/459e7107-af66-4d82-849c-25eb2604abce

[2] Branco, J. (2026, March 24). Calls for action as hundreds of Australian service stations run out of fuel. 9News. https://www.9news.com.au/national/fuel-shortage-australia-calls-for-action-as-hundreds-of-service-stations-in-nsw-queensland-victoria-and-south-australia-run-out-of-fuel/ced53768-0ded-4980-8064-65afb749c06d