CANBERRA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday announced that the federal government has established a fuel security task force amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Anthony Albanese speaks to supporters in Sydney, Australia, May 21, 2022. Anthony Albanese has claimed victory for his Labor Party after incumbent Prime Minister Scott Morrison conceded defeat in Australia's 2022 federal election held on Satuday. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Speaking after meeting with state and territory leaders on Thursday morning, Albanese told reporters that the government is doing "all that it can" to secure Australia's fuel supply.

"I want to assure Australians at this time that Australia is well prepared. Our fuel supply is currently secure, however I want us to be over prepared," he said.

"I reiterate today my message to Australians is please do not take more fuel than you need. That is how you can help."

He announced that Anthea Harris, former CEO of the Australian Energy Regulator and of the Energy Security Board, has been appointed as the coordinator of a new national fuel supply task force and that each state and territory will appoint someone in a similar capacity.

Albanese said that the task force will drive coordination between the federal, state and territory governments on fuel security and supply chain resilience.

The announcement was made shortly after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said it had launched an investigation into allegations of anti-competitive conduct by the nation's major fuel suppliers.

The ACCC said it commenced the investigation in response to reports concerning diesel availability to independent wholesalers and distributors servicing regional and rural Australia.