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Over 40% of Australians Blame US, Israel for Fuel Crisis

Over 40% of Australians blame the United States and Israel for the ongoing fuel crisis, citing strikes on Iran. Only 17% blame Iran for closing the Strait of Hormuz. A majority of 55% expect the national economy to worsen in the next six months, up from 35% in August 2025. Additionally, 54% believe Australia is heading in the wrong direction, with 68% supporting an extension of the fuel tax cut.

Key Points: 42% of Australians Blame US, Israel for Fuel Crisis

  • 42% blame US/Israel for fuel crisis
  • 68% support extending fuel tax cut
  • 55% expect economy to worsen in 6 months
  • 54% say Australia heading wrong direction
2 min read

Over 40 pc of Australians say US, Israel most responsible for fuel crisis

Over 40% of Australians blame the US and Israel for the fuel crisis, while 68% support extending fuel tax cuts. Economy pessimism rises sharply.

"42 per cent identifying the United States and Israel for initiating strikes on Iran - Essential Report"

Canberra, April 29

Over 40 per cent of Australians blame the United States and Israel for the ongoing fuel crisis, and a majority expect the national economy to get worse in the next six months, according to a poll published on Wednesday.

The latest edition of the Essential Report, a monthly poll on social and political issues conducted by independent firm Essential Research, asked respondents who they most blame for the ongoing fuel crisis, with 42 per cent identifying the United States and Israel for initiating strikes on Iran.

By comparison, 32 per cent of respondents said they most blame the Australian government for not planning ahead, and 17 per cent said that Iran bears the most responsibility for closing the Strait of Hormuz, reports Xinhua news agency.

The conflict in the Middle East caused fuel prices in Australia to soar to record highs in March, prompting federal and state governments to cut the fuel sales tax temporarily.

Ahead of Treasurer Jim Chalmers handing down the federal budget for 2026-27 in May, 68 per cent of respondents to the Essential poll said they would strongly or somewhat support a move to extend the fuel tax cut.

Asked about the Australian economy over the next six months, 55 per cent predicted it would get worse, and 14 per cent said it would improve.

When the same question was last asked in the August 2025 edition of the poll, 35 per cent of participants said the economy would get worse over the next six months, and 22 per cent said it would improve.

The latest edition found that 54 per cent of Australians believe the country is generally heading in the wrong direction, up from 49 per cent in February, compared to 30 per cent who said the country is going in the right direction.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sneha F
The poll says 42% blame US/Israel but look at that - 32% blame their own government for not planning ahead. That's a huge lesson for Indian leaders too. We need to diversify energy sources and invest in renewables, not just blame external forces. A pragmatic approach would serve us better. 🇮🇳
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Arun Y
Jaanta hai, this is what happens when world powers act unilaterally. India has always advocated for diplomatic solutions through multilateral forums - we should push harder for this at UN. Also, the Australian govt cutting fuel tax temporarily - hmm, reminds me of our own excise duty cuts. Populism everywhere, yaar. 😅
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Tanya I
68% support extending fuel tax cut - that's interesting. But in India, we've seen how temporary measures become permanent and fiscally unsustainable. Maybe Australia should take a longer-term view like investing in public transport and EVs rather than just cutting taxes. Just my two paise worth.
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Ravi K
Can't help but draw parallels with India's own challenges. Australia's public at least has clear opinions on who's responsible - US, Israel, their own govt. In India, we often get stuck in partisan blame games. The 17% blaming Iran is thought-provoking too. Strait of Hormuz is a global chokepoint - we all need to work on alternatives. 🛢️
M
Manoj Q
The shift from 35% to 55% expecting economic worsening in just 6 months is striking. Shows how quickly public sentiment can turn. For India, with our own inflation and fuel price concerns, this should be a wake-up call for

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