- Donald Trump accuses Australia of not getting 'involved'
- But Anthony Albanese says Australia is taking action
- READ MORE: Aussies are copying doomsday preppers as Iran crisis escalates
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rejected Donald Trump's claim Australia is not 'getting involved' in his efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The US President was asked his thoughts about some leaders' policy on the blockade of a key strategic route for 20 per cent of the world's oil supply.
The waterway was closed by Iran after the US and Israel launched strikes targeting the Supreme Leader at the end of February, prompting weeks of conflict.
'Mr President, you took issue with Australia, Japan and South Korea this week,' Sky News Washington correspondent Jonathan Kearsley said on Friday.
He asked Trump what action he wanted these countries to take.
'Well, they should get involved, and I was a little bit surprised that they said no, because we always say yes to them,' the US President said.
However, Albanese rejected these claims during a press conference on Saturday, stating that Australia had done what had been asked.
'The truth is that we have said yes to the request of the UAE for the E7 Wedgetail aircraft that's operating there with personnel,' he told reporters.
US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that he was 'surprised' Australia, Japan and South Korea had not been 'involved' in his military action in the Middle East
The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran after the US and Israel launched strikes on the country
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters Australia had done what it was asked
'In addition to that, we've sent AMRAAM (advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles) that (are) making a difference as well to intercept missiles or drones aimed at the UAE.
'So, we continue to provide the support we've been asked to support. We have done what we have been asked to do.'
Albanese also told reporters that Australia had signed a joint statement, coordinated by the British government, to ensure the Strait remains open.
The route has effectively remained closed since conflict erupted in the region, leaving tankers idle for weeks and forcing producers to halt pumping.
'We've signed up to the statement that's been issued,' Albanese said on Saturday.
'That speaks about the work that we're doing to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remain open. That's critical.'
The statement condemns recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the closure of the strait.
It said the 22 countries which signed the document, including New Zealand, Japan and Canada, were ready to help ensure safe passage of ships.
Albanese's statement comes as oil prices have soared and global supplies have been cut after the Strait of Hormuz was closed (pictured, petrol and diesel prices in NSW town of Narrabri)
Albanese's statement comes as oil prices have soared and global supplies have been cut after Iran closed the strait.
Rising demand has also placed increasing pressure on fuel supply chains.
Australia's consumer watchdog has granted an urgent interim authorisation to members of the Australian Institute of Petroleum allowing companies to discuss, exchange information about, and co-ordinate on the supply of fuel without risking a breach of competition laws.
But fuel suppliers are not allowed to share information about or reach an agreement on price.
Allowing major companies to co-ordinate raises a risk of harm to competition, which is why the authorisation comes with strict conditions, according to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.
'We recognise how critical it is that industry is able to quickly and efficiently co-ordinate and respond to the supply chain disruptions we are experiencing,' she said.
Any company that broke the rules would be penalised, Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned on Saturday.
'It's really important the big players in the fuel markets don't treat this as a chance to disadvantage the independents who play a vital role, including in regional Australia,' he said.
'The government is working with industry and regulators to ensure Australians get a fair go at the pump and in the supply chain, and anyone breaking the rules must have the book thrown at them.'
The watchdog has also imposed conditions to the authorisation that aim to maintain independent fuel distribution.
