Australia lowers diesel standards in bid to increase supply as number of service stations running empty surges

Australia's Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the government has temporarily lowered diesel standards to increase fuel supply as hundreds of service stations run empty across the country. The move, which lowers the technical threshold for diesel known as the flashpoint, will allow Australia to access cheaper imports from the US, Canada, and Europe that previously didn't meet the nation's stricter standards. The decision comes as Australia faces warnings that deliveries from key Asian suppliers could slow as soon as early April, creating an acute fuel shortage. By relaxing the standard, the government aims to tap alternative supply chains before the anticipated supply crunch hits. The fuel crisis has prompted rapid action from Canberra, though the temporary nature of the measure suggests the government expects either improved supply or a reversal once the emergency passes.