The federal government is facing criticism after spending $20 million on a fuel-saving campaign to encourage Australians to reduce driving and conserve petrol as the war in the Middle East continues to wreak havoc on prices and supply.
In a campaign blitz titled "Every little bit helps", the government will urge the public to reconsider driving habits, take public transport and offer tips for better fuel efficiency.
Drivers will be asked to use their car less, drive smoothly to avoid excessive fuel use, carry less weight in the car and to walk or take the train or bus instead of driving.
READ MORE: Long peace talks between US, Iran take place in Pakistan
READ MORE: Australian small business owners sound the alarm over AI 'reverse scams'
The expensive advertising campaign is now being met with scepticism over its efficacy.
Former Nationals leader and Maranoa MP David Littleproud said motorists don't need an expensive TV ad to convince them to reel back spending at the bowser.
"You're not spending the money because you can see the price, the price is constraining how much you're putting in the tank. You're only using what you need to because of the price," Littleproud told Today.
"The government doesn't need to spend $20 million dollar on an advertising campaign.
"The prices are doing that themselves at the bowser."
Littleproud disagreed that it was unfair for politicians to ask everyday Aussies to reduce their driving while enjoying taxpayer-funded wheels.
He said most MPs need cars to adequately serve their electorate.
"You cant travel an electorate three times the size of Victoria on your own wallet," he said of his own seat.
3AW's Shane McInnes said the campaign was in contrast to the government's assertion that Australia's fuel supply was not in jeopardy.
"Why are we spending $20 million to say save fuel, when the PM has repeatedly said there's no fuel shortage?" he asked.
"We are told time and time again, no there is no supply shortage
"This is a complete juxtaposition to what we're being told by the government. Are we not being told the whole truth here?"
The fuel information and tips will be advertised across television and online, along with select outdoor sites including billboards and bus stations.
The campaign will cost about $20 million in taxpayer funds.
It will be officially launched nationwide tomorrow, two weeks after the government held an urgent national cabinet meeting to discuss the fuel crisis.
Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the advice will help keep Australia's essential workers on the road.
"The global fuel shortage is affecting us all, and every little bit helps. From running errands in fewer trips to only filling up with the fuel you need, this will help us keep essential services moving," King said.
"The rollout of this campaign and National Fuel Security Plan ensures that we can get the public the information they need, and keep them updated if and when the situation may change."
READ MORE: Are we heading towards World War Three?
Australia is now in the second stage of the government's "keep Australia moving" plan, devised during national cabinet talks.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen yesterday said Australia's fuel reserves were in a reasonably healthy position, with diesel stocks up and petrol and jet fuel stocks slightly reduced.
"That's up two days for diesel, down a day for petrol and down two days for jet fuel," Bowen said.
He said Australia has 38 days' worth of petrol, 31 days' worth of diesel, and 28 days' worth of jet fuel in reserve.
Tomorrow's campaign launch also follows Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Singapore, where he struck a deal with his counterpart Lawrence Wong to keep fuel flowing into Australia.
Singapore promised to do everything in its power to keep supplying Australia with 55 per cent of its petrol.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here