{"id":43547,"date":"2026-04-11T08:36:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T00:36:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=43547"},"modified":"2026-04-11T08:36:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T00:36:28","slug":"singapore-australia-commit-to-keep-lng-diesel-flowing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=43547","title":{"rendered":"Singapore, Australia commit to keep LNG, diesel flowing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE \u2013 <!-- -->Singapore and Australia have committed to keeping essential goods \u2013 including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and refined petroleum products \u2013 flowing between the countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Both countries are working quickly to turn this commitment into action through a legally binding agreement, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese at the Istana on April 10.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/singapore-australia-will-work-closely-to-ensure-flow-of-key-goods-like-diesel-natural-gas?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">This pact on economic resilience and essential supplies<\/span><\/a> will span energy and other critical sectors, and is expected to add to the existing free trade agreement between the two countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThis is not just about managing today\u2019s crisis. It is about building trusted supply lines for a more uncertain future,\u201d said PM Wong.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">His remarks build on a pledge by both countries in March to keep the flow of key goods unimpeded as the conflict in the Middle East <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/unprecedented-energy-disruption-from-middle-east-conflict-govt-announces-support-measures?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">continues to disrupt global energy supply chains and prices.<\/span><\/a> <\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Singapore, Australia commit to keep LNG, diesel flowing; working on legally binding agreement\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EtmI6eRJTIo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said on April 10 that both leaders, who had a meeting before the press conference, agreed on a \u201csimple but critical principle\u201d of keeping trade flowing between the two countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">LNG is one of the Republic\u2019s key sources of power generation, and Australia supplies more than a third of Singapore\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong thanked Mr Albanese, who is in Singapore for an official visit till April 11, for his assurance that Australia will continue supplying the Republic with LNG.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He also said that Singapore will continue supplying refined fuels to Australia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cAs a global refining hub, we will keep these flows going as long as upstream supplies continue.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Australian government statistics for 2025 showed that Singapore is Australia\u2019s largest supplier of refined petroleum products, accounting for 26 per cent of refined fuel imports, 55 per cent of petrol imports, 22 per cent of aviation and turbine fuel imports, and 16 per cent of diesel imports.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Both countries will also stay in close contact to manage and respond quickly to any external disruptions that may affect Singapore or impact its supply chains, said PM Wong. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">There will be both a ministerial dialogue on energy and a dialogue on economic resilience held soon to tackle <!-- -->common trade challenges<!-- --> and preserve the flow of essential supplies, he added. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThese are uncertain and unprecedented times, but it is precisely in such times that partnerships matter most,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Albanese said that in a time of global uncertainty, trust, friendship and cooperation with neighbours matter more than ever. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The relationship between Singapore and Australia helps deliver energy security to both countries, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He noted that about 25 per cent of Australia\u2019s fuel comes from Singapore\u2019s refineries \u2013 which he visited on the morning of April 10 \u2013 and Australia supplies around 32 per cent of Singapore\u2019s LNG.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Albanese had toured Jurong Island, where he <!-- -->met<!-- --> top executives from Singapore LNG Corporation and the Singapore Refining Company.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0e37646cc1c3dde565757866acf3145eff650ab31485c4f878fb6decc582439c?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0e37646cc1c3dde565757866acf3145eff650ab31485c4f878fb6decc582439c?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0e37646cc1c3dde565757866acf3145eff650ab31485c4f878fb6decc582439c?w=900\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0e37646cc1c3dde565757866acf3145eff650ab31485c4f878fb6decc582439c\" alt=\"\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 flex flex-col gap-08 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) chatting with Singapore Refining Company CEO Eso Thomas at SRC facilities on Jurong Island on April 10.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\">ST PHOTO: GIN TAY<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He also visited JTC Corporation\u2019s Jurong Island Gallery, where he was briefed on the energy and chemicals hub\u2019s capabilities, such as its shared services and utilities network that companies can plug into to start production quickly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">At the gallery, Mr Albanese asked about the island\u2019s history, and the Jurong Rock Caverns\u2019 ability to withstand extreme weather and natural disasters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">At the press conference, he said the conflict in the Middle East is a long way from this region, but every nation here is being affected by it. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cBy building regional cooperation on energy security and economic resilience, we strengthen our own fuel security and our own economy.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He added that he and PM Wong had a \u201cvery wide-ranging\u201d discussion, and \u201cthat is what friends can do, because you come to the relationship with that position of trust and mutual interest\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The two prime ministers <!-- -->on April 10<!-- --> signed a joint statement that said their countries would make \u201cmaximum efforts to meet each other\u2019s energy security needs in the context of the acute energy crisis currently affecting global markets\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Besides committing to support the flow of essential goods including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and LNG, they also agreed to cooperate on facilitating the timely movement of goods and essential supplies through enhanced coordination, efficient border and port processes, transparency, and early consultation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe reaffirmed our commitment to working together, particularly during crises, to support a resilient, rules-based multilateral trading system that underpins stability during periods of global disruption,\u201d the statement added. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c88eefe72b79425a1244358405cd504581c78dce605755d0d199e8a44acd3c7d?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c88eefe72b79425a1244358405cd504581c78dce605755d0d199e8a44acd3c7d?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c88eefe72b79425a1244358405cd504581c78dce605755d0d199e8a44acd3c7d?w=900\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c88eefe72b79425a1244358405cd504581c78dce605755d0d199e8a44acd3c7d\" alt=\"\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 flex flex-col gap-08 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (right) with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Istana. Mr Wong said on April 10 that both leaders agreed on a \u201csimple but critical principle\u201d of keeping trade flowing between the two countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\">PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In his remarks, PM Wong said that as open and trade-dependent nations, Singapore and Australia feel the economic pressures resulting from the conflict in the Middle East directly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThat is why in times like this, we must work closely, move faster, and stand together \u2013 not just to manage the risks, but to protect the well-being of our people.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Both leaders had spoken over the phone two weeks ago and issued a joint statement on energy security cooperation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cToday, we took that further \u2013 with concrete steps to reinforce our resilience and keep supply lines open.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This is not the first time both countries have worked together to keep critical supply chains open.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">During the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/asia\/australianz\/australia-agrees-covid-19-vaccine-swop-deal-with-singapore?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">supplied 500,000 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses to Australia in September 2021,<\/span><\/a> and Australia returned the same quantity of Pfizer doses to Singapore in November 2021. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cIn a more fractured and volatile world, we choose to stay open, to stay connected and to stand together,\u201d said PM Wong on the discussions between the countries, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/singapore-australia-upgrade-ties-will-deepen-cooperation-in-areas-like-defence-energy?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0<\/span><\/a> in October 2025. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThrough the strength of our partnership, I am confident that Singapore and Australia will not just get through the crisis \u2013 but we will emerge stronger and more resilient.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">When asked by Australian media if Australia would be prioritised if Singapore were to start restricting exports, PM Wong said Singapore has no plans to restrict exports. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe didn\u2019t have to do so even in the darkest days of Covid and we will not do so during this energy crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The prime ministers were also asked if countries should negotiate to pass through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/opinion\/strait-of-hormuz-the-tollbooth-in-the-middle-of-the-world?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">Strait of Hormuz<\/span><\/a>, which Iran has blockaded since the early days of the war. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong was also asked if Singapore is looking to rely more heavily on alternative sources of fuel since it has ruled out these negotiations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Both leaders said they believe the strait should be open. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong added that his Government\u2019s position on the Strait of Hormuz is clear and consistent, and it is important to the Republic that countries uphold international law, including the right of passage through international waterways like the strait. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cAs far as energy supplies are concerned, we believe it\u2019s a global energy market,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Singapore\u2019s companies source feedstock from all over the world, subject to prevailing laws and sanctions, and the Government expects them to uphold international agreements and obligations.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201c<!-- -->As<!-- --> long as more oil enters the global energy market, it is good for the world. And our companies based here in Singapore are deeply connected to the different flows of energy supplies around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Albanese was hosted to lunch by PM Wong after the press conference.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-list-container\" data-testid=\"bulleted-article-list-test-id\">\n<ul class=\"pl-22 list-disc article-list-wrapper\">\n<li class=\"article-list-item list-item\" data-testid=\"bulleted-article-list-item-test-id\">\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Additional reporting by Ng Keng Gene<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/singapore-australia-commit-to-keep-lng-diesel-flowing-working-on-legally-binding-agreement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE \u2013 Singapore and Australia have committed to keeping essential goods \u2013 including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and refined petroleum products \u2013 flowing between the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43549,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=43547"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43547\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}