Tag Archives: oceania

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Potential oil price hike could impact petrol cost in Australia

Motorists in Australia are being urged to fill up with fuel before a potential rise in the price of crude oil flows through to the bowser.

The US and Israeli strikes on Iran are raising concerns that retaliations in the Middle East could disrupt the flow of oil, which is heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran, which controls the waterway, also manages the world's third-largest proven oil reserves.

LIVE UPDATES: Iran's chilling vow of revenge as supreme leader's death confirmed

READ MORE: Luxury Dubai hotel damaged as Iran retaliates to attack

READ MORE: Dubai Airport damaged in reported strike, four hurt

"The worst-case scenario for the oil market is an attack on Saudi oil infrastructure followed by a complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz," Andy Lipow, president of consulting firm Lipow Oil Associates, told CNN.

"It remains to be seen if Iran will indiscriminately attack oil tankers in the region, shutting the waterway."

Oil prices could increase as much as $USD5 per barrel, if not more on Sunday, warned Lipow.

The waterway, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is only 33.7 kilometres wide at its narrowest point.

It's the only way to ship crude from the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. Iran controls its northern side.

About 20 million barrels of oil, about one-fifth of daily global production, flow through the strait every day, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), which called the channel a "critical oil chokepoint".

A closure of the Strait would be particularly detrimental to China and other Asian economies which rely on the crude oil and natural gas shipped through the waterway.

The EIA estimates that 84 per cent of the crude oil and 83 per cent of the liquefied natural gas that moved through the Strait of Hormuz last year went to Asian markets.

China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, sourced 5.4 million barrels per day through the Strait of Hormuz in the first quarter this year, while India and South Korea imported 2.1 million and 1.7 million barrels per day, respectively, according to the EIA's estimates. In comparison, the US and Europe imported just 400,000 and 500,000 barrels per day, respectively, in the same period, according to the EIA.

– reported with CNN

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State TV presenter cries while announcing the death of Iran’s supreme leader

An Iranian state media presenter broke down in tears as he announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The presenter told viewers the supreme leader, who was a key target in the US-Israel attacks, had "tasted the drink of martyrdom and joined the sublime heavenly kingdom of God" in a translated version of the broadcast.

Others could be heard crying off-screen as the newsreader announced the news to the nation.

LIVE UPDATES: New air attack warning sounds as fresh explosions heard

An Iranian state media presenter broke down in tears as he announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamene.

READ MORE: Dubai Airport damaged in reported strike, four hurt

Following the attack, President Donald Trump announced the leader had been killed.

Iranian state media also confirmed that Khamenei is dead with a brief statement which said the supreme leader "has reached martyrdom".

Khamenei, who has been supreme leader since 1989, was reportedly in his compound in Tehran when the joint assault was launched on military and government sites in Iran.

Satellite images showed black smoke billowing from the compound, which appeared completely destroyed.

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Dubai Airport damaged in reported strike, four hurt

Dubai's airport, the world's busiest, has suffered "minor damage" in an apparent missile strike as Iran retaliated to the United States and Israel's attacks.

Four people were injured at Dubai International (DXB), which handles around 300,000 passengers daily and 95 million a year, including on Emirates flights to and from Australia.

Images show clouds of smoke or dust and debris on the floor.

LIVE UPDATES: Iran's chilling vow of revenge as supreme leader's death confirmed

Dubai Airport damaged in strike

"Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities," a Dubai Airports spokesperson said.

"Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention. Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers."

READ MORE: Aussies warned against travelling to much of the Middle East in wake of strikes on Iran

https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/2027866024318767134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

READ MORE: 'Never heard before': Dubai hotel damaged in explosion as debris rains down on city

One person, an Asian national, was killed and seven others were injured during a drone interception at Zayed International Airport in neighbouring emirate, Abu Dhabi.

It's also a major international hub including for flights from Australia with Etihad.

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Aussies warned against travelling to much of the Middle East in wake of strikes on Iran

The Australian government has warned against travelling to most of the Middle East in the wake of the US-Israel operation in Iran and retaliatory strikes on US military bases.

The ongoing risk of further reprisal attacks prompted a flood of warnings from the government's Smartraveller platform, which warned against travel to key regions in the Middle East.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises Australians not to travel to: Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel and Lebanon.

LIVE UPDATES: Iran launches retaliatory attacks on US bases, Israel

Fairmont Hotel in Dubai

READ MORE: 'This is not your war': World leaders react

Australians have also been warned to not travel to Iran and to leave as soon as possible, consistent with advice given recently after unrest and previous strikes in the country.

"We continue to advise Australians to not travel to Iran – this has been in place since 2020 – and to leave Iran as soon as possible," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this morning.

"Australian officials are closely monitoring what is an evolving situation, unfolding rapidly.

"It is critical that anyone in the region takes note of the Smartraveller website for the most up to date information that we can provide.

He said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is opening a registration portal for Australians seeking to leave Iran and will be directly in touch with registered Australians.

Flights to and from the UAE, Qatar, Israel and Bahrain have been cancelled as the strikes spark fears for tourist safety.

While in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Armenia, Australians are told to "exercise a high degree of caution".

READ MORE: Luxury Dubai hotel damaged as Iran retaliates to attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the government is concerned about travellers in Iran.

EXPLAINER: Why is Trump bombing Iran? Full military strike comes days after talks stall

Travellers planning to head to Jordan have been told to "reconsider your need to travel".

The Smartraveller notices advised "there is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region".

"Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice," they added.

"Airspace closures and flight disruptions are already occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations."

Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated the latest travel advice earlier today in a joint statement shared following the US strike.

"Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so," the statement read.

"Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia's travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel.

"Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region," the statement continued.

"Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia."

The Insurance Council of Australia has urged Australians to prioritise their safety as the situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little warning.

"Smartraveller has issued 'Do Not Travel' advisories for several countries across the Middle East, and we strongly encourage all Australians in or planning travel to the region to follow the latest advisories," a spokesperson said.

"Travellers should be aware that most policies do not cover losses arising from acts of war or armed conflict.

"Follow consular advice via Smartraveller and register your travel plans with DFAT

"Contact your airline or travel provider directly for the latest flight information, as airspace closures may cause delays, cancellations, and rerouting, including for travellers not destined for the Middle East.

"If you hold travel insurance, contact your insurer if you require any further assistance."