“Engaging with critical regional partners such as Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia will help ensure Australia’s energy supply remains secure during times of uncertainty,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Albanese’s remarks come ahead of his visit to Brunei and Malaysia from April 14 to 17, 2026. The trip is aimed at securing fuel supplies amid ongoing disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.
Brunei is a significant player in Australia’s energy landscape, supplying 9% of its diesel imports and 11% of its fertiliser-grade urea imports. Meanwhile, Malaysia stands as Australia’s third-largest source of refined fuel, providing 10% of its fertiliser-grade urea imports.
Australia relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, with about 80% of its fuel coming from abroad. This dependency has been highlighted by recent localised shortages and soaring prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
During his visit, Albanese will meet with Brunei’s ruler, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. These discussions are crucial as Australia also supplies 95% of Malaysia’s imported natural gas.
Albanese emphasized the importance of regional partnerships in ensuring energy security, stating, “I will travel to Brunei and Malaysia for talks focused on securing the supply of fuel and fertiliser.”
As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the outcomes of these meetings could play a pivotal role in stabilizing Australia’s energy supply chain.
With energy security at the forefront of Albanese’s agenda, the focus will be on strengthening ties with Brunei and Malaysia in the face of global uncertainties.
