Australia is set to offer up to $693 million in interest-free loans to critical businesses, including transport operators and fertiliser producers, as they face rising fuel costs. The loans will be offered to businesses essential to maintaining critical supply chains. This comes as the Iran war disrupts global fuel supplies and raises concerns about availability as Australia imports over 80% of its fuel. The move underscores Australia's centre-left Labor government's focus on easing cost-of-living pressures.