Stick to Easter travel, Australians told, though hundreds of petrol stations dry

Australians were urged to maintain their travel plans for Easter weekend, despite hundreds of petrol stations, mostly in rural areas, being without power on Saturday. The disruption, caused by a cyberattack on a critical infrastructure company, left many motorists scrambling to find fuel amid rising tensions between Iran and the West.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) warned that the situation was "extremely serious" and urged drivers to plan their routes carefully. "We are advising people to stick to their plans and not to panic," said a spokesperson. "While there are some challenges, the majority of petrol stations are still operational, and we are working closely with suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible."

The cyberattack, which targeted a major fuel distribution company, has left hundreds of petrol stations in rural and regional areas without power. This has caused shortages of fuel in some areas, with long queues forming at operational stations. The company, which remains anonymous, has confirmed that it is investigating the incident and working to restore services.

Easter weekend is traditionally a busy time for travel in Australia, with many families heading to the coast or visiting relatives. The disruption has added to the stress for those already planning their trips. However, authorities have emphasized that the situation is under control and that the majority of petrol stations are still supplying fuel.

The cyberattack has also raised concerns about the vulnerability of Australia's critical infrastructure to cyber threats. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has launched an investigation into the incident, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison pledging to take "firm action" against those responsible. "This is an attack on the very foundations of our society, and we will not tolerate it," he said.

Meanwhile, tensions between Iran and the West have escalated in recent weeks, with both sides accusing each other of supporting terrorist activities. The cyberattack has been linked to Iranian-backed hackers, raising fears that the disruption could have been intended to disrupt Australia's travel plans and cause chaos during the holiday period.

Despite the challenges, Australians have shown resilience in the face of the disruption. Many have taken to social media to share tips on finding fuel and to offer support to those stranded. The hashtag #StickToYourPlan has trended on Twitter, with users urging others to remain calm and continue with their Easter plans.

The Australian government has pledged to provide additional support to those affected by the disruption. Minister for Infrastructure, Regional Development, Cities and Local Government, Watson Byford, said that the government was working closely with state and territory governments to ensure that fuel supplies were restored as quickly as possible.

As Australians prepare for their Easter celebrations, the disruption has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. The incident has also highlighted the importance of planning and preparedness in the face of unexpected challenges. Despite the difficulties, the majority of Australians are expected to enjoy their Easter weekend, with many choosing to focus on family and togetherness in the face of adversity.