Australian PM in Singapore for three-day official visit

He will be in Singapore until Saturday. 

CONTINUED DISCUSSIONS ON ENERGY SECURITY 

Mr Albanese’s visit comes after the two countries pledged to work together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience during a phone call in March. 

Both leaders had expressed “deep concern” over the situation in the Middle East, which has damaged energy infrastructure in Gulf states like Qatar, a key exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz – where about a fifth of global oil and LNG normally transits. 

The disruptions have led to concerns about their impact on global energy supplies.

Singapore and Australia previously said they would step up efforts to ensure the steady trade of key goods, including diesel and LNG. 

Australia is one of the world’s top LNG producers, alongside Qatar, the US and Russia.

Singapore generates about 95 per cent of its electricity using imported natural gas, comprising LNG and pipeline gas from neighbouring countries. 

Last week, Mr Wong said the government is strengthening longer-term resilience by deepening energy partnerships including with Australia, which supplies more than one-third of Singapore’s LNG. 

He warned of “severe consequences” if Middle Eastern energy sources and supply routes remain constrained for an extended period.