We’re taking action to secure fuel supplies in SA

Fuel continues to arrive in the quantities we expect, and there is enough fuel to meet everyone’s usual needs. But because some areas are experiencing a disruption in the supply chain and fuel prices have been higher than usual - governments are taking action to ease costs and shore up supplies.

While fuel supply is primarily a Commonwealth responsibility, the State and Australian Governments are planning ahead so that we are prepared if the situation changes.

What the Government of South Australia is doing

At a state level the South Australian Government:

  • is establishing a strategic diesel reserve of 10 million litres at Port Bonython, with the option to secure and store up to 20 million litres if required
  • has updated South Australia’s emergency fuel powers to bring them in line with national standards and ensure we’re ready to respond if the situation worsens
  • partnered with the RAA to expand its real-time petrol pricing app to provide detailed reporting on fuel availability by station
  • tripled funding for compliance, allowing an additional 100 fuel inspections each month, and doubled the current penalties for fuel retailers who fail to comply
  • implemented regulatory reforms to improve the efficiency of freight and reduce fuel use
  • meets regularly with business and industry groups to identify supply challenges and economic impacts on fuel-exposed sectors
  • contributes to national decision-making functions such as National Cabinet, the National Fuel Taskforce and the Energy and Climate Change Minister’s Forum
  • worked with other states and territories to take fuel cost reductions even further, directing a $40 million GST revenue windfall to reduce the cost of diesel and petrol by a further 5.7 cents per litre.

What the Australian Government is doing

At the national level the Australian Government:

  • announced ways to better plan and manage fuel security across Australia with the National Fuel Security Plan
  • halved the fuel excise until 30 June 2026 to save motorists around 26.3 cents a litre at the bowser, reducing the cost of a 65-litre tank of fuel by $19
  • cut the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero until 30 June 2026 to reduce cost impacts on the freight industry
  • charged the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to make sure consumers are protected by actively monitoring fuel pricing behaviour
  • approved the release of 20% of the country’s domestic reserves of petrol and diesel
  • boosted fuel supplies by adjusting regulations to expand the number of terminals and refineries we can source fuel from.