HVIA participated in the seventh Transport Industry Fuel Security Briefing on Thursday, April 23, 2026 hosted by the Federal Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Catherine King.
The Minister confirmed the following:
► That she expected Australia would remain at Level 2 of the National Fuel Security Plan following the National Cabinet meeting – an outcome subsequently confirmed at a press conference held by Prime Minister Anthony Abanese, who noted “Australia’s fuel supply outlook remains secure in the near term”.
► There was still uncertainty over the Middle East conflict and when the Strait of Hormuz would reopen and outlined that price and supply issues would remain until this issue was resolved. Australia was one of 49 countries led by the UK, Germany, France and Italy that have agreed to play a safety role, including dismantling mines in the Strait once safe to do so.
► There are currently 112 retail sites (out of a total of 8,300 sites) suffering some form of diesel shortage, down from 147 at the last briefing.
► Retail prices, whilst high, had normalised with the Budget measures such as halving of the excise and removal of GST, a factor [the latest data from the Australian Institute of Petroleum shows diesel terminal gate prices have fallen from over $3 a litre on April 13 to just over $2.60 a litre on April 17; while retail prices dropped around 10 per cent in the week ended April 19].
► The Fair Work Order is now in effect for the road freight supply chain; while the Economic Resilience Program, including zero-interest loans being managed through the National Reconstruction Fund, are open for applications. The Minister acknowledged HVIA’s advocacy to ensure heavy vehicle manufacturers could access this grant and work was being done to cost this request through the Department.
► The fire at Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery fire lasted approximately 13 hours. Thankfully, the Minister says there were no fatalities or major injuries reported. Viva has made some announcements to the Australian Securities Exchange but anticipates being back to 90 per cent capacity within the next few weeks.
► The Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO) as of April 14, 2026 stood at 46 days for petrol, 30 days for jet fuel and 31 days for diesel.
► The Prime Minister has been meeting with suppliers to sure up supply, including announcing a new protocol with the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which strengthens supply chain resilience.
► There are 10 tankers carrying crude oil and 50 tankers carrying refined fuel on water now destined for Australia. This is approximately 17 days’ worth of fuel.
► Australia has diversified its global supply of fuel, predominantly crude oil, with new sources all helping to defray the losses from the Middle East. For example, five cargo tankers are due to arrive at Williamstown with approximately 50 million litres of diesel coming from Baton Rouge in the United States – a first. Crude oil from Canada has also increased and is enroute to Asian refiners.
► AdBlue supply has been investigated and there is comfort in the levels of technical-grade urea out to August, including eight weeks’ supply (down from 10) with a further five weeks’ supply held in emergency reserves.