Australia closed its last major domestic refineries in recent years as they became uneconomical against larger Asian facilities. The decision was criticized at the time by energy security advocates, but successive governments prioritized short-term economics over strategic resilience.

Now, as Iran's conflict disrupts Middle East oil exports and sends global prices soaring, Australians are discovering what energy vulnerability actually means. It means paying $150 to fill up a family sedan. It means jerry can panic buying. It means getting lectured about being "un-Australian" for responding rationally to genuine supply concerns.

Climate advocates have pointed out the bitter irony: The same government urging calm over fossil fuel shortages has been slow-walking the renewable energy transition that could reduce Australia's oil dependence. Electric vehicles remain expensive and charging infrastructure patchy, particularly outside major cities.

"This crisis should be a wake-up call about transitioning away from oil," said Richie Merzian from the Australia Institute. "Instead, we're panic buying jerry cans while the government lectures us about values."

Service stations have begun limiting fuel purchases to prevent hoarding, with some implementing maximum fills of 50 liters. Police have warned that improperly stored petrol poses serious fire risks, particularly during Australia's warmer months.

For ordinary Australians already squeezed by interest rate hikes and cost-of-living pressures, the fuel crisis adds another layer of financial stress. And being told that preparing for genuine supply concerns is "un-Australian" rings particularly hollow when the people saying it don't have to worry about affording their next tank of petrol.