A new fuel refinery is a start. But Australia is still vulnerable to shipping disruptions without a clear strategy

The Australian government announced this week it would study whether to build a major oil refinery in Western Australia to help shore up the country’s energy security. If approved, it would be Australia’s third oil refinery, following the closure of several facilities over the past 25 years. The US–Iran war and the sharp reduction in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have been visceral reminders of how much fuel security matters to a country like Australia. Exploring additional refining…