About this episode

Karl Stefanovic interviews billionaire John Wagner about Australia's fuel crisis and its implications for national security and economic survival.

Australia’s fuel crisis is no longer theoretical — it’s here.Flights are at risk. Holidays could be cancelled. Supply chains are already under pressure. And if the situation escalates, everyday Australians will feel it first.In this episode, Karl sits down with billionaire infrastructure operator John Wagner — a man with a proven track record of building what others say is impossible. He built an international airport in Toowoomba in just 19 months and is now leading a $2.5 billion project to turn household waste into aviation fuel.His warning is clear:Australia is dangerously exposed.Wagner explains:Why Australia is effectively on a “war footing” when it comes to fuel securityHow global tensions could disrupt supply overnightWhat happens if jet fuel shortages hit — and which flights get cancelled firstWhy fuel prices could surge toward $4 a litreAnd how his Toowoomba refinery could produce sustainable aviation fuel using everyday waste — fastThis isn’t just about fuel.It’s about national security, economic survival, and whether Australia can stand on its own.Because if we don’t fix this — quickly — the consequences won’t be gradual. They’ll be immediate.Listen now.

People in this episode

Host: Karl Stefanovic

Guest: John Wagner

Topics covered

• fuel crisis
• infrastructure
• national security
• economic survival
• aviation fuel
• supply chain

Keywords

• fuel security
• jet fuel shortages
• aviation fuel
• supply chain
• economic impact
• global tensions
• sustainable fuel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Toowoomba airport, Toowoomba refinery

Places: Australia, Toowoomba

More episodes of The Karl Stefanovic Show

• Tony Abbott on Immigration, Energy Policy & Australia’s Future · April 24, 2026 · 45 min
• Shark Tank's Steve Baxter: “A soldier with a glue gun can build a drone in 45 minutes.” · April 22, 2026 · 40 min
• Ben Roberts Smith On Trial & Defences Dirty Little Secret · April 22, 2026 · 54 min
• Australia’s Defence Strategy Exposed — Are We Ready? · April 17, 2026 · 50 min
• Karl Weekly: Fuel, Flights And A System Under Pressure · April 15, 2026 · 45 min
• Queensland Finds Oil — So Why Can’t We Use It? · April 12, 2026 · 51 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Karl Stefanovic Show podcast page.