Donald Trump says he is “very surprised” Australia has not sent warships to aid in opening the strait of Hormuz as the blockade of the key strategic route for global oil supply continues to affect fuel prices. Trump did not answer when asked what Australia had said no to. Earlier this week, Trump slammed Japan, Australia and South Korea for saying they would not be sending warships to the Gulf. On Saturday the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, praised the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s urgent interim authorisation on fuel supply, which allows companies to discuss, exchange information about and coordinate fuel supply across Australia as a “decisive action to … keep fuel flowing to where it’s most needed”. Its competitor, DiDi, raised prices earlier this week, with customers across Australia now paying an extra 5c per kilometre.

Source: The Guardian March 21, 2026 06:49 UTC