Australia has secured an extra 100 million litres of diesel shipments to help deal with the global fuel crisis after a series of leaders' meetings in Asia.
Details of the additional supplies were revealed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after formal talks in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim that focused on ensuring energy supplies continued between both nations during the oil crunch.
The imports will come via shipments from Brunei and from South Korea under export finance regulations.
In a joint statement signed inside the Malaysian government’s Perdana Putra complex, the leaders agreed to a "no surprises" policy on the trade of critical oil and fuel supplies after disruptions caused by the Iran war.
"The world looks very different to when you were here last year ... global energy markets are under serious stress,” Mr Anwar said at a joint media conference.
“Malaysia will always be a reliable partner to Australia,” he assured his Australian guest.
The Southeast Asian nation is Australia's third-largest fuel supplier, providing 14 per cent of its diesel, 10 per cent of its petrol and 11 per cent of its jet fuel.
In turn, Australia provides almost all of Malaysia's liquefied natural gas imports but Asian nations are concerned the Albanese government could introduce new export taxes on resources in the May budget.
"We commit to promote open and stable trade flows between our two countries, including for essential energy supplies," the pair said in a joint statement after meeting at the official offices of the Malaysian leader.
"We will exchange views on energy trade-related matters on a 'no surprises' basis, and deepen practical co-operation on energy security for both countries.
"Both countries serve as energy suppliers to one another, underpinning a mutually important energy security relationship."
Before the meeting, Mr Albanese received a formal welcome outside Mr Anwar's office.
Rows of dark-suited dignitaries stood for the national anthems of Australia and Malaysia when the leaders arrived on the stone forecourt, the massive pink granite dome and gold spire of the Putra Mosque looming opposite.
White-and-green clad soldiers holding ceremonial rifles stood to attention as Mr Albanese inspected the guard of honour while Mr Anwar stayed seated.
Mr Albanese will later meet senior executives from Petronas, Malaysia’s state-owned oil extraction and refining giant.
Malaysia also imports hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Russian oil and fuel each year, some of which is sold on to Australia.
Ukraine has called for a total ban on the use of Russian oil.
The talks follow a 24-hour visit to Brunei during which Mr Albanese received a guarantee the tiny sultanate was not considering restricting the amount of fuel or fertiliser shipped to Australia.
In exchange, Australia - which is Brunei's largest trading partner - will continue to provide crucial food shipments.
Brunei supplies 11 per cent of Australia's fertiliser.
In 2024, Australia was responsible for around three-quarters of Brunei's meat imports.
During a meeting at Brunei’s royal palace, both Mr Albanese and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed ''deep concern'' over the war in the Middle East and pledged to strengthen energy supply chains and maintain open trade flows.
''Australia has always been a trusted friend and partner,'' the monarch told Mr Albanese during their bilateral meeting.
"Over the years, our relations have continued to prosper."
