Source : Perth Now news
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has extended temporary fuel quality changes until September as the government continues to manage supply pressures linked to global disruptions in oil markets.
The decision allows petrol with a higher sulphur content to remain in circulation for longer, providing refiners and importers greater flexibility to secure supply while international uncertainty continues to affect fuel shipping routes.
Mr Bowen said the adjustment was first introduced early in the crisis to ensure Australia could maintain adequate reserves, and would now remain in place until the end of September as supply chains stabilise.
“I lifted the allowed minimum standard from 10 parts per million to 50 parts per million until the end of May,” Mr Bowen said.
“Given that despite positive elements overnight, international uncertainty is continuing, and we continue to face pressures in the international supply chain, I have now extended that to the end of September.”
Under the extension, fuel meeting the higher sulphur limit can continue to be blended into Australia’s fuel mix through to the end of the year, helping suppliers manage logistics and maintain availability across the network.
The move comes as the government continues weekly updates on Australia’s fuel reserves following disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict and concerns about shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr Bowen said Australia currently holds 46 days of petrol supply, an increase of eight days compared to the previous week, equating to just under two billion litres in reserve.
“I can tell you that today, Australia has 46 days worth of petrol on hand in our stock holdings. That’s eight days more than the update last week,” he said.
Diesel supply remains steady at 31 days, or approximately 2.8 billion litres, while jet fuel reserves sit at 30 days, an increase of two days compared with the previous update.
Mr Bowen also confirmed 61 cargo ships carrying fuel are currently en route to Australia, four more than the previous week, with supply contracts secured through May.
“We have 4.1 billion litres of fuel locked in contracted to deliver to Australia,” he said.
The update comes as the government continues to monitor the impact of a fire at the Viva Energy refinery in Geelong, which temporarily reduced petrol production capacity to around 60 per cent.
Mr Bowen said diesel and jet fuel production remained at approximately 80 per cent capacity while work continues to restore normal output levels.
Despite global uncertainty, the minister said fuel availability across service stations remained strong, with the vast majority of sites continuing to operate normally.
Across the country, around 98.5 per cent of service stations currently have diesel available, with petrol supply even more widely accessible.
Mr Bowen said the temporary change to fuel standards would help ensure stability as Australia navigates ongoing global supply pressures.
“We have actually seen more fuel in Australia now, as a result of government and industry working so closely together than when this international conflict began.”
The government is expected to continue providing weekly updates as global conditions evolve.
