'Nauseating': Australia won't adjust suppliers as Trump thanks Putin for oil
News Source
β’Sat, 10 Oct 2026 06:08:49 +0000
π° What Happened
US President Donald Trump thanked Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, for a deal to sell oil to America. Trump said the deal would release 2.25 million barrels of oil to the world market. He said it would lower fuel prices before US midterm elections.
Australia's energy minister, Chris Bowen, said Australia would not change its suppliers. He said Australia does not need or want Russian fuel. Bowen said it would be wrong for Putin to profit from the war in the Middle East.
π The Backstory
Oil prices jumped in March after Trump joined Israel in a war with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, closed. A fifth of the world's oil and gas normally passes through it.
Since 2022, many countries have banned Russian energy because of the Ukraine war. The US move breaks with that. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the deal weak and a gift to Russia. US lawmaker Don Bacon also criticised it.
π― Why It Matters
Oil prices affect the cost of petrol, heating and food. This deal could change prices, and it tests how firmly Australia stands against Russia.
US President Donald Trump thanked Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, for a deal to sell oil to America. Trump said the deal would release 2.25 million barrels of oil to the world market. He said it would lower fuel prices before US midterm elections.
Australia's energy minister, Chris Bowen, said Australia would not change its suppliers. He said Australia does not need or want Russian fuel. Bowen said it would be wrong for Putin to profit from the war in the Middle East.
Oil prices jumped in March after Trump joined Israel in a war with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, closed. A fifth of the world's oil and gas normally passes through it.
Since 2022, many countries have banned Russian energy because of the Ukraine war. The US move breaks with that. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the deal weak and a gift to Russia. US lawmaker Don Bacon also criticised it.
Oil prices affect the cost of petrol, heating and food. This deal could change prices, and it tests how firmly Australia stands against Russia.