HVIA has confirmed that the temporary relaxation of Australian fuel quality standards to boost supply and put downward pressure on prices applies only to petrol, not diesel.
The decision to temporarily amend the standards to allow higher sulfur levels for the next 60 days was announced by Australian Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen on March 12.
The waiver has allowed around 100 million litres a month of new petrol supply that would otherwise have been exported by Ampol Australia to be blended instead into domestic supply, with a particular focus on regions experiencing shortages and the wholesale spot market that supports independent distributors and harvesters.
In response to member concerns regarding permitted higher sulfur levels, at today’s weekly industry briefing with Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King, HVIA sought clarification on whether the fuel quality standards relaxation extended to diesel. It was confirmed that it applies only to petrol, not diesel. For reference the official determination is available here.
HVIA will continue to advocate for members through the weekly industry briefings with Minister King, as the sector navigates the ongoing fuel supply challenges arising from the Middle East conflict.
These meetings provide timely updates on Federal Government actions to strengthen fuel security and manage pricing impacts. They also offer an important forum for transport industry bodies to raise concerns directly with the Minister.
At today’s meeting, the Minister also advised that national fuel stockpile data will now be released weekly on Fridays (see link), replacing the previous monthly reporting schedule.
HVIA encourages members seeking further information to contact Chief Advocacy Officer Aaron Johnstone at a.johnstone@hvia.asn.au. The Minister also advised of a Federal Government contact point for queries and information at FuelResponse@infrastructure.gov.au.