Australia will not import Russian diesel despite the US-Russia deal, says Energy Minister Chris Bowen

10 October 2026

On 10 October 2026 Australia's Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia will keep its ban on Russian fuel imports. He spoke after US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russia to supply Russian diesel to US and global markets. "We don't need or want Russian fuel in Australia," Bowen told reporters in western Sydney, adding that Australia does not want Vladimir Putin to benefit from the war in the Middle East. He said Australia's arrangements with trading partners to keep Russian fuel out would stay. Australia had 43 days' worth of petrol and 31 days of diesel. Fuel prices in Australia have been under pressure since the Iran war began in February 2026.