Free public transport introduced in Australia to combat rising fuel costs

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Public transport will be made free in two Australian states because of rising petrol shortages due to the Iran war.

Commuters in Victoria will be able to travel on trains, trams and buses free of charge for a month starting from 31 March, in a move described as a "temporary measure" to offset rising petrol prices.

Meanwhile, in Tasmania fares on buses and ferries have been waived from 30 March to 1 July.

Since the outbreak of the Iran war, the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz has been greatly restricted and fuel prices have soared in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Petrol prices in Australia have skyrocketed from an average of $1.70 a litre (£0.88) before to war to about $2.50 a litre at some bowsers, local media reports.

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 the cost of living - it will take pressure off the pump and help you save," she said.

"This won't solve every problem, but it's an immediate step to help Victorians right now while we keep working on new solutions to make Victoria more affordable."

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the state's residents were increasingly choosing public transport over driving, with a 20% increase seen in the last week.

"We know the rising cost of fuel is impacting the family budget, and that's why we have again taken strong and decisive action to protect Tasmanians," he said.

"We are stepping up to support Tasmanians when they need it most, delivering one of the state's most significant cost-of-living measures."

Across Australia, some fuel stations have run dry due to panic buying and shortages particularly in remote regions.

The country has also been releasing petrol and diesel from domestic reserves to ease shortages ‌affecting rural supply chains, mining and agriculture.

With 80% of Asia's oil and LNG travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, the region has been particularly hard hit by fuel shortages and price hikes.

Spike in energy prices cause panic across Asia

China has banned refined fuel exports to pre-empt a potential domestic fuel shortage.

Rising fuel prices have sparked protests in the Philippines, with government offices now open just four days a week. Bureaucrats must also limit the use of air conditioning to nothing cooler than 24C.

The Indian government had given households priority over businesses in its allocation of liquefied petroleum gas, used primarily for cooking, and has been absorbing most of the price increases to keep costs low for poor families.

The shortages have forced some restaurants to shorten hours and stop serving foods that absorb a lot of energy to cook, such as curries and deep-fried snacks.

In Thailand, public workers have been told to take the stairs instead of elevators.

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