Australia PM warns months ahead 'may not be easy' due to Mideast war

"The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that. No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing," Albanese said. The conflict that began on February 28 with US-Israeli attacks on Iran has mushroomed throughout the region, sending energy markets into a tailspin and threatening to torpedo the global economy. Facing historic spikes in petrol prices, Albanese urged Australians to switch to using public transport, preserving fuel for rural communities and essential services.