Australia Secures Fertiliser Shipments Amid Global Supply Risks

CANBERRA, May 14 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- The Australian government said on Thursday it had secured about 90,000 tonnes of agricultural-grade urea to support farmers and safeguard food production amid global supply disruptions linked to the West Asia tensions, reported Xinhua.

The shipments mark the first deliveries under the government's new Strategic Reserve powers, said a government statement.

More shipments are expected in the coming weeks, building on the 250,000-tonne supply deal struck with Indonesia's state producer PT Pupuk. The move aims to provide certainty for farmers during planting and ensure a stable food supply for both domestic and export markets.

The government has also announced a A$7.5-billion (US$5.43 billion) fuel and fertiliser security facility to boost storage and supply, alongside measures to streamline fertiliser imports and strengthen industry coordination.

Australia has additionally secured over 450 million litres of diesel and 100 million litres of aviation fuel under new financing schemes, the statement said.  

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA