A multi-million dollar ad blitz urging motorists to change their driving habits amid the fuel crisis will combat misinformation, the prime minister says, despite concerns over the cost of the campaign.
The $20 million federal government campaign tells drivers to cut down on fuel use or leave the car at home as volatility in the Middle East impacts global oil supply.
The ads touted advice such as keeping tyres properly inflated, removing roof racks and excess weight from the car, as well as making fewer trips by road.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ad campaign provided practical information, rejecting criticism about the cost to taxpayers.
"The feedback from people about lots of information so that they can save fuel is a sensible thing at a time where there is a global challenge," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
"What we are doing is informing the public and that is a sensible thing to do."
But opposition defence spokesman James Paterson said the ad drive wasn't necessary.
"That is patronising political propaganda from the Albanese government," he told Sydney radio 2GB.
"When petrol is more than $2 a litre and diesel is more than $3 a litre, Australians know you shouldn't spend more than you need to on your fuel bill.
"(Spending) $20 million lecturing them about how to drive is the last thing they need in a crisis like this."
The ads did not inspire confidence about the fuel situation, One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce said.
"We're in a bit of strife now. We wouldn't be having a stupid ad telling people not to use fuel if we were completely confident we had enough of it here," he told Seven's Sunrise program.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the ads encouraged a range of options for people to reduce fuel consumption.
"It's not for everyone, but other things which people might not be so aware of, like tyre pressure and roof racks, it's just useful community information that we encourage people to look at," he told reporters in Canberra.
"If it suits you, take it up, by all means."
