The current fuel crisis should now be treated as both a financial risk and a service continuity risk. Councils cannot assume that higher petrol and diesel prices will simply be absorbed within existing operating budgets. Nor should they assume that fuel will always be available in the quantities required. The Read more
The global fuel crisis has entered another concerning phase. After falling below US$100 per barrel during the middle of the year, oil prices have risen sharply again. Brent crude is now trading above US$100 per barrel as continuing conflict in the Middle East, disruption to critical shipping routes and damage Read more
Current Position Last week’s assessment described the Strait of Hormuz as “operationally constrained rather than securely open.” That description now needs to be extended, because a second chokepoint has entered the picture. On 20 July, Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait Read more
Executive SummaryThis document provides councils with a practical, evidence-based framework for assessing operational requirements before committing to low-emission fleet replacements. It recognises that fleet electrification is not simply a matter of replacing internal combustion engine vehicles with electric equivalents, but a broader service delivery decision requiring careful consideration of operational Read more
Current Position The fuel crisis arising from the Iran conflict has eased from its initial peak, but it has not been resolved. The Strait of Hormuz remains physically navigable (depending on the time of day) although tanker movements are substantially below normal levels and subject to competing claims of control, Read more
The Future Depot is an Energy Hub A recent blog proposed that the next challenge for councils would not be buying electric vehicles, it would be electrifying their depots. That proposition is already being reinforced by some of Australia’s largest fleet electrification projects. The latest lessons emerging from Australian Renewable Read more
Executive Summary The Local Government EV Fleet 2026 Survey shows that fleet electrification is now central to local government emissions reduction and asset management. Most participating councils have adopted formal net-zero targets, many well ahead of 2050, and these commitments are increasingly shaping fleet planning, procurement and charging infrastructure investment. Read more
Councils are discovering that the first wave of electrification of passenger vehicles, including pool cars, is relatively straightforward because the energy demand is modest, and overnight charging windows are generous. The real infrastructure challenge begins once councils transition operational fleet assets such as utilities, vans, small trucks and eventually plant Read more
The economic effects of the Iran conflict are likely to be felt for years as damaged oil and gas infrastructure is repaired and global supply chains stabilise. Fuel prices are expected to remain elevated while supply remains constrained and markets continue to price in geopolitical risk. Until supply conditions normalise, Read more
Briefing Note Purpose The purpose of this briefing note is to inform Council executives of the emerging financial, operational and reputational risks associated with continued procurement of internal combustion engine (ICE) fleet assets in the context of declared emissions targets (particularly 2030), and to outline recommended strategic responses. Councils Leading Read more