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News & Current Events Apr 1, 2026 at 8:28 AM

Albanese urges Australians to 'live life as normal' during fuel crisis in rare national address

Posted by kwentongskyblue


PM says next months 'may not be easy', urges Australians to save fuel
www.abc.net.au
PM says next months 'may not be easy', urges Australians to save fuel
Anthony Albanese asks Australians to trade their cars for public transport if they can, while reassuring those who need to drive they can continue to do so amid the global oil crisis.

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moonssk Apr 1, 2026 +58
Aussie here. It was not that exciting like some people were expecting but I felt like it was giving everyone a heads up about what is about to come. It was boring as watching paint dry but it at least, if you listen between the lines, had some info. I heard it as. Shts about to get real, cause some idiot decided to make it hard for us even though we are not involved. But all pollie parties even if we don’t like each other are working as one to put a plan together so, we, as Aussies can all ride this sht storm together (that we did not create but now have to deal with) in the coming months.
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hrdst Apr 1, 2026 +1
[ Removed by Listnook ]
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Ok_Combination_1675 Apr 1, 2026 -21
Yeah because he's just another puppet to an higher power and Albo is too basically nearly every politician that does become an PM/president is part of it
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joshuatreesss Apr 1, 2026 +8
Says the Angus Taylor supporter
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Sieve-Boy Apr 1, 2026 +5
This one strikes me as a Hanson cooker type mate.
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joshuatreesss Apr 1, 2026 +3
Who me? If you mean the OP I agree, either that ‘only Pauline has your best interests’ (while being in bed with Gina) or the other cooker style Albo is a puppet for Trump and Israel.
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Sieve-Boy Apr 1, 2026 +3
Sorry the person you responded to strikes me as a Hanson Cooker, i should have been more clear.
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rctsolid Apr 1, 2026 +2
Such a boring take
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Frozefoots Apr 1, 2026 +85
Australian here. We’re all a little confused. It was a nothingburger of an address and everyone was expecting something a bit more substantial considering how rare these are for us. We knew we were not joining the war, as that would have been political suicide with how unpopular this war, and the US in general, is in Australia now. People were banking on a bit of a harder stance on WFH for anyone/everyone who can work remotely which would reduce the demand for fuel, but nothing was said. Just a suggestion to take public transport to work, and don’t take more than you need at the fuel stations. Things that have been said before and didn’t need an urgent national address. There were also hopes of a larger export tax for our resources (particularly LNG which we sell for a pittance), but alas, nothing there either. We were just told business as usual but don’t be selfish and take public transport if you want. Right wing media were posting articles this afternoon about this address introducing fuel rationing (typical fearmongering from the Murdoch tripe), but that didn’t happen either. He will be addressing the National Press Club tomorrow where I imagine journalists will grill him over this. This was unnecessary, imo. But at least Scomo isn’t in charge during this.
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jkhhhhhh Apr 1, 2026 +48
Soft launch for actual restrictions post Easter is my guess
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joshuatreesss Apr 1, 2026 +8
Please! I want WFH again!
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the_walking_kiwi Apr 1, 2026 +10
Maybe just settling the nerves a bit and also preventing any rush for fuel by letting everyone know what the current situation is, while also highlighting that we should be conscious of using fuel when we don’t really need to.  Don’t think there’s anything wrong with doing it, may have spooked some people but it seems reasonable to give an update and bring to attention the need to reduce unnecessary fuel usage. Particularly when people are seeing what’s happening in some other countries.  I’m sure there will be more steps if it continues, this may have been prepping people for that as well. 
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BoringEntropist Apr 1, 2026 +15
It sounds to me they prepared a bunch of different messages, while diplomatic negotiations were running in the background. One topic that was likely discussed was participation in military operations. As it became clear that the Europeans won't participate, the Australian government decided to go along with a soft approach.
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manefa Apr 1, 2026 +13
That’s what I thought too. It was like he had a different speech ready to go that got pulled at the last minute, but the podium was booked and the cameras rolling so he had to get up and say something 
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Admirable-Gur-9543 Apr 1, 2026 +3
The AFR article from earlier in the day correctly previewed the speech as being a "chill out and enjoy your Easter" type message with little concrete action, so I think this was the plan all along. It also said that the narrative will change in the weeks ahead with fuel restrictions likely.
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nugstar Apr 1, 2026 +2
So did Betoota
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Just-Incident2627 Apr 1, 2026 +1
This is what I think happened
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joshuatreesss Apr 1, 2026 +3
He would’ve been in Hawaii if he was
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Automata-Omnia Apr 1, 2026 +2
Smart move would be to impose an Export tax for the purposes of cleaner energy independence, with some of the proceeds going towards investing in domestic oil refineries using renewable technology and the rest towards renewable electricity production and distribution. Even if the all the cities switched to EV and public transport, diesel and kerosene will for the foreseeable future be required for rural economy and communities.
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BroccoliSome256 Apr 1, 2026 +1
Export tax would not be announced via national address. The budget is in May which is the most appropriate time for it.
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lost_horizons Apr 1, 2026 +1
I saw a video posted by some lady living in Darwin, with a bunch of empty food shelves. Are you noticing any shortages where you are?
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PinupPixels Apr 1, 2026 +4
I'm not OP but I live in Sydney and I work in food distribution. Business as normal here, except supplier delivery fees going through the roof.
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Morning_Song Apr 1, 2026 +3
I’d say the primary cause there is actually Cyclone Narelle related, though the fuel crisis definitely not helping the situation
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FormalMango Apr 1, 2026 +2
The NT has been hit by massive flooding (plus a cyclone) in the last month, and there’s only one road and one rail line into Darwin. People start panic buying, which strips shelves bare before they can reopen transport routes… so it’s not unusual for Darwin & Katherine to experience empty shelves when that happens. It’s less “there’s no fuel for the trucks” and more “the only paved road north is under 4ft of water”. It’s open now, but it takes time to restock. Darwin is pretty remote, and the NT is sparsely populated. To put it into context… There’s 120’000 people in Darwin. The NT’s next largest city is 1500km away (down that one paved road), and has a population of 25’000. The nearest other Australian capital to Darwin is Adelaide, about 3000km away.
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lost_horizons Apr 1, 2026 +2
Thank you for adding the context
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mulefish Apr 1, 2026 +36
It was just what it was at face value - a message of calm in the face of global uncertainty. Timed before easter because people will be tuning out, and a direct address because otherwise it doesn't cut through or because it gets drenched in opinion or hysteria from news/commentary networks. Lots of people here will say 'lol what a waste of time', but it's an address that isn't aimed at those who are attuned to political events. On the flipside, there was lots of hysteria expecting more, but it was flagged as being mainly about assurances in advance - this is a government that prides itself on being calm and methodological. It released it's blueprint guide for action early this week, nothing has really materially changed since than to warrant moving to next steps. There was no chance we were joining the US war with troops or anything else that would warrant this kind of address. It's also giving a blueprint for how the government will message the crisis in future if things escalate or don't resolve.
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[deleted] Apr 1, 2026
[deleted]
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MakePandasMateAgain Apr 1, 2026 +3
That’s not what he was saying though
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Duckbilling2 Apr 1, 2026 +2
he didn't say that
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this_is_an_alaia Apr 1, 2026
Well that's literally what press conferences are for.
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aiosvx Apr 1, 2026 +13
Knew it was gonna be about petty since news said petrol stations had already passed on the excise waiver and updated prices - they were expecting it to trickle in but since the price essentially dropped 20-30c across the board they probably want to let people know why. I think it was pretty good he's getting better at talking to dumbshit Australians. Sincerely, dumbshit Australian. Watch murdochs news get big mad he didn't send ships that don't exist 15000km to fix a problem their monster created because the liberal party couldn't shit themselves out of a paper bag and they gotta score points somehow.
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LumpyCustard4 Apr 1, 2026 +1
I still advocate for Australia to send our Virginia submarines.
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Emergency_Sugar_9278 Apr 1, 2026 +24
Australian here, we have had three national addresses since 2000, they're to tell everyone about critical things like the pandemic or if we're going to war. Most people I know are pretty frustrated for him wasting everyone's time. Could have been an email.
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Maro1947 Apr 1, 2026 +6
Too subtle for most sadly
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nonametrans Apr 1, 2026 +4
Yeah nah I think u/BoringEntropist has got the right idea - they had something important to announce but then negotiations and deals were made/changed moments before the address and they had the cameras and stuff all set up waiting to go, and a nation would be tuning in.
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Emergency_Sugar_9278 Apr 1, 2026 +1
Always possible i suppose given trumps central role in the whole issue
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Lain_Staley Apr 1, 2026 +1
Why don't you guys have more national addresses? State of the Union?
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BroccoliSome256 Apr 1, 2026 +2
Wasting everyone's time? It was 3 minutes...
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Emergency_Sugar_9278 Apr 1, 2026 +3
I think it's more that national addresses are typically reserved for critical information, and if they're not used judiciously then they risk losing their capacity to get peoples attention. Their wasn't any new information, and he could have simply called a press conference. It's hard to see how using the mechanism of a national address was justified given this
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BedditTedditReddit Apr 1, 2026 -10
Every so often an Aussie pm or leader will think ‘yes, this is my jfk moment’ and then embarrass themselves. Shame albo fell into the trap. Julia gillard’s address to us congress that was so poorly attended they had to force the interns to listen to her to fill the room, is another. Cringe AF.
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SituationSad4304 Apr 1, 2026 +6
Waiting for an Aussie to chime in about if they find this concerning
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Crybabyastrology Apr 1, 2026 +20
Yes.. Calm before the storm. It was very weird, like others have said the nation is very rarely addressed (2 previous times in my nearly 40’s, 1 being Covid lockdowns) and it was basically “enjoy Easter, live normal and don’t take petrol you don’t need” but it just feels off.
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Morning_Song Apr 1, 2026 +2
Still very rare but there’s definitely been more than 3. IIRC going backwards 2020: COVID (Morrison), 2008: GFC (Rudd), 2003: Iraq War and 1997 Wik Decision (Howard), 1993: Mabo Decision (Keating) and 1941: War with Japan (Curtin) and 1939: Declaration of WW2 (Menzies). Whitlam made a lot of broadcasts, but probably 1974: Double Dissolution Election and Dec 1972: Report to the Nation are the most conventional
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BedditTedditReddit Apr 1, 2026 -7
Some people have poor advisors and are desperate for the limelight. Could have been al it was.
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joshuatreesss Apr 1, 2026 +6
Albo definitely isn’t one of them. Whatever he’s done or hasn’t done, he isn’t someone who likes the limelight or putting himself out there and rarely takes photos or selfies with people. This was the first time I’d seen him speaking for a while since his wedding which was very private and small and had his dog as a ring bearer. He’s no Trump or Macron.
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FormalMango Apr 1, 2026 +12
Aussie here. I’m no more concerned than I was yesterday… which is to say, a little bit but not a lot. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen. The future is in the hands of a foreign madman, and there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it.
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SituationSad4304 Apr 1, 2026 +4
I’m a US voter and have nothing besides the November election in my control 😞
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Frozefoots Apr 1, 2026 +17
We’re mostly just confused and going “wait that’s it?”
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SituationSad4304 Apr 1, 2026 +5
Americans would still panic buy gasoline that doesn’t age well so I was just curious
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Frozefoots Apr 1, 2026 +11
Based on my experience people are topping up more often now, just so they have a full tank of fuel just in case. There’s a few asshats who have filled up water tanks with diesel and our hardware giant Bunnings has reported it’s totally sold out of jerry cans, so there are people who are panic buying. But it’s not so much fuel scarcity that’s triggering it, it’s FOMO on the lower prices of fuel. Cost of living is going up and up so anywhere people can save a few dollars, they’re going to take.
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SituationSad4304 Apr 1, 2026 +3
I wish *gestures broadly at* we would calm down. I paid $10 more to fill up. Still cheaper than when I got my first car post 2008 recession in 2010 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Saylows Apr 1, 2026 +4
In Australia it cost me $30 more today to to fuel up my small hatchback than it did 3 weeks ago
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SituationSad4304 Apr 1, 2026 +2
In AUD? AUD is 1.44x the USD. And I’ll admit I used some grocery points
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Saylows Apr 1, 2026 +3
It was $70aud 3 weeks ago and $100aud today
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SituationSad4304 Apr 1, 2026 +2
Lordy. I’ll admit I’m comparing $35 to like $50 before the d*******. Is anything c**** there?
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nugstar Apr 1, 2026 +2
Healthcare... comparatively.
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BLOOOR Apr 1, 2026 +1
There's a bunch of Australins replying the variety of reactions you don't have to speak for everybody.
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spideyghetti Apr 1, 2026 +8
It felt a bit patronising but said in tones that an adult can read between the lines.
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Emergency_Sugar_9278 Apr 1, 2026 +11
Australian here, most of us are. oncerned that he thought it was appropriate to use a national address to say so very little
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Furseal469 Apr 1, 2026 +7
Yes, I feel more concerned now than I did before the address!
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Tunggall Apr 1, 2026 +6
I’m Singaporean and I felt concerned after watching him speak.
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Furseal469 Apr 1, 2026 +6
Did you also watch Starmers speech? Watching them one after the other has set me off. Feels like they know something big is about to go down.
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Tunggall Apr 1, 2026 +4
I did, and I agree with that feeling.
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Maro1947 Apr 1, 2026
He's the prime minister, you may not agree with him but it's his call
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Emergency_Sugar_9278 Apr 1, 2026 +2
Doesn't mean it shouldn't be scrutinised though
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whyuhavtobemad Apr 1, 2026 +5
Well Trumps the wildcard. No idea how this ground offensive will go and how much oil infrastructure will be left at the end of it all
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Prettyflyforwiseguy Apr 1, 2026 +3
I would have liked some more contingencies elaborated upon ‘if we reach this point, we will do this,’ however there are so many variables you also don’t want to beholden yourself to such a rigid schedule which is why I think they avoided that.  Trump also announced a national address before ours aired, so maybe that changed the tone? I imagine there’s a lot of diplomatic behind the scenes we don’t know about.  If there’s one thing I can bank on, whatever they do, the media will move the goal posts.  
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ghostbannomore Apr 1, 2026 +3
That seems like poor advice frankly, things aren’t normal.
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joshuatreesss Apr 1, 2026 +2
From the full speech it was ‘live life as normal’ in the sense that don’t panic buy or horde fuel and try to use more public transport or work from home if you can. Which were points he mentioned.
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this_is_an_alaia Apr 1, 2026 +2
I don't know why this couldn't have been a normal press conference. Usually a national address is because there's something to actually talk about. Not to say keep calm and carry on like it belongs on a mug
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Admirable-Gur-9543 Apr 1, 2026 +3
He wanted the message to cut through ahead of Easter gatherings this weekend.
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HeavyAd9463 Apr 1, 2026 +2
Is he going to ‘live life as normal “?
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joshuatreesss Apr 1, 2026 +5
Why wouldn’t he? Unless there’s a big national event he’ll be at The Lodge with Jodie and Toto which he does for most of the year.
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BLOOOR Apr 1, 2026 +1
I assume so, yeah. What are you implying?
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HeavyAd9463 Apr 1, 2026 +1
Is he going to struggle like the average person? Or catch the bus to work? Or just talk no nonsense Anyway pointless speech from a useless PM
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Flaky-Gear-1370 Apr 1, 2026 +2
Albo hedging his bets that trump is about to do something to make things worse so he can say see I told you
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AdonoftheStormySeas2 Apr 1, 2026 +2
I just loved how during this address he told Australians to limit our petrol usage to improve the 'national stockpile'. Because clearly the onus is on the average citizen to plan and deal with these things. Meanwhile despite being in power for several years and having a heads up last year that the Middle East situation could deteriorate into all out war at any moment (which any analysist worth $2 could also tell you would lead to the Strait being blocked), ***the government literally does not have a strategic fuel stockpile.*** [https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/24/australia-fuel-reserve-what-and-where-is-it](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/24/australia-fuel-reserve-what-and-where-is-it) We don’t actually have a “strategic fuel reserve”, according to De Mello, who says the term means a stockpile which is government-backed and funded by taxpayers. F****** pathetic. But not unexpected given that every Australian government over the past few decades has held a "she'll be right mate" attitude which probably also extends to the US non-alliance nowadays too.
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_MrBond_ Apr 1, 2026 +2
Why is an Albanian commenting on Australian politics 🤔
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Maleficent-Stormbee Apr 1, 2026 +3
it’s his surname
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shellys-dollhouse Apr 1, 2026 +3
f****** hell, mate, really?
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McGee_McMeowPants Apr 1, 2026 +1
Just another meeting that could have been an email.
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kettlechilichips Apr 1, 2026 -7
I can't afford to you slimy dumb f***, it really is fitting that the mural to honor him is overlooking a public toilet.
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CurrentElectrical736 Apr 1, 2026 -9
They may have to import a huge amount of oil from Russia, just to stay afloat.
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YourAutoModsSucks Apr 1, 2026 +2
More likely we'll be swapping LNG for oil with India (who got it from Russia).
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CurrentElectrical736 Apr 1, 2026 +1
Same thing!
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