Today
Government to help buy ‘shiploads of fuel’ under new powers
The government will use taxpayer funds to underwrite the purchase of critical imported fuel as the conflict in the Middle East threatens national supplies.
Trump urges Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalise ties after Iran war
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveils new fuel security powers amid a deepening supply crunch; an Iranian strike wounds US troops and damages aircraft at a Saudi base; Follow live updates.
Wall St plunge, bond ‘crisis’ show investors are losing faith in Trump
The president’s sprinkles of compromise are no longer enough to override the realisation that the economic effect of the war – and the fighting – will stick around for a while yet.
Tiger Woods charged with driving under the influence after crash
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Tiger Woods showed signs of impairment at the crash scene. He did not suffer any significant injuries.
‘It will affect everything’: This was the week the war hit home
The war is no longer distant. From farms to supermarkets, the shock is spreading through the economy, and Australia could be pushed towards recession if it drags on.
KWM is dead, long live Mallesons. But can the law firm escape its past?
KWM’s China divorce finally takes effect next week. The newly independent Mallesons could take Australian law by storm, or could find itself playing catch-up.
Up your style game with an AFL-themed watch and a throwback Loewe bag
Plus, Scandi-inspired Hommey bedding, bougie Easter eggs and new Salomon sneakers.
US stocks drop on prospect of prolonged Middle East war
The Nasdaq Composite shed 2.2 per cent, pacing losses in New York; Dow joins Nasdaq in correction territory; brent tops $US114. ASX futures point to 0.8pc fall.
Yesterday
Australia warns travellers of strikes on Dubai hotel; US deploys ‘drone speedboats’
DFAT has urged travellers to seek shelter over possible strikes on a Dubai hotel; Drone speedboats have been deployed into the Middle East; Anthony Albanese says six tankers of fuel en route; direct talks with Malaysia for supply ongoing. Follow live.
EV tax break to roll on as sales soar
The Albanese government is reconsidering plans to scale back the $1.3 billion-a-year fringe benefits tax exemption for electric vehicles.
How the fuel crisis could fix a hole in the EV market
Stephen Yiu lives near a petrol station, and is constantly reminded of his escape from soaring prices as new and used EV sales jump.
Australia’s fuel crisis is just the first domino to fall
Rebuilding our lost sovereignty will require government to rein in profligate spending on industry losers and stop treating the budget as a bottomless well.
David Rowe cartoons for March 2026
David Rowe is a multiple Walkley award-winning cartoonist. He draws a daily political cartoon and one for the Chanticleer column.
Fuel supply now guaranteed until May, after which uncertainty looms
The prime minister says there will be a nationally consistent response to the fuel crisis and not a rerun of the COVID-19 fiasco where states went their own ways.
Oil crisis flows through to Australian dinner plate
Rising costs and budget-wary consumers are squeezing restaurant owners like Sam Young, as farmers warn high fuel prices mean worse to come.
Iran war price shock, private credit pain and WFH battle reignites
James and Anthony tackle global energy volatility, credit market cockroaches and take a question on oil companies and their super profits.
Middle East conflict could push inflation to mid-sixes by June
A swift resolution to the war won’t be enough to stop prices marching higher, economists warn.
Firmus’ Oliver Curtis set for green light to run ASX-listed company
The convicted insider trader has been given informal clearance by the exchange to stay on the board after the artificial intelligence firm’s blockbuster IPO.
Bin the rubbish tax amid fuel crunch, waste industry pleads
The peak industry group is pleading with the City of Melbourne to scrap its $3750 tax on waste trucks in the CBD and warns it will exacerbate impacts of the fuel crisis.
Cyclone forces WA LNG shutdowns, worsening global gas crunch
More than a quarter of global LNG supply has been knocked out by the suspension of exports from Qatar and disruption to WA operations from Cyclone Narelle.
