{"id":536574,"date":"2026-03-12T23:50:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T23:50:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/536574\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T23:50:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T23:50:13","slug":"australian-government-relaxes-fuel-standards-for-the-next-60-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/536574\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian government relaxes fuel standards for the next 60 days"},"content":{"rendered":"

In what amounts to a direct reversal of its initial intention, the Federal Government has confirmed that it will relax the sulphur limits it put in place for the next two months, meaning dirtier fuel will be heading to Australia bowsers, amid soaring costs and ongoing supply issues due to the conflict in the Middle East.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sulphur limits for 91, 95 and 98 RON unleaded petrol will be raised from the current 10 parts per million (ppm) to 50ppm. It\u2019s worth noting that at 50ppm, the threshold is still lower than the 150ppm that was allowed for 91 RON before the new standards came into effect in December 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n

According to a report by the ABC, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said, \u2018it will add 100 million litres of fuel a month to the domestic supply\u2019. The change will also mean that the Ampol refinery in Brisbane, can sell its higher sulphur product into the Australia market, rather than have to export it overseas to markets with a lower threshold.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2<\/p>\n

\u201cOur fuel supplies continue to arrive, our fuel stocks continue to be strong,\u201d Minister Bowen said. \u201cWhile there are real challenges, because our fuel supplies are secure, there is no need for panic buying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Australia currently holds 36 days\u2019 worth of fuel in reserve, with the ABC also reporting that Australia holds 29 days\u2019 worth of jet fuel, and 32 days\u2019 worth of diesel. Earlier this week, the International Energy Agency (IEA), made the unprecedented step of releasing 400 million barrels of oil to ensure a stable supply of fuel and attempt to combat further price hikes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For its part, Ampol told the ABC that the 100 million litres will be prioritised for regional and rural Australians, who have already been hit by shortages. Minister Bowen said farmers, fishers and regional communities would be the propriety for any additional supply.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIn rural and regional Australia, we continue to see unacceptable shortages, we continue to see supply chain constraints, and we continue to see a doubling of demand\u2026 demand has doubled, use has not,\u201d Minister Bowen said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a practical measure, 100 million litres of extra fuel each month, which will be prioritised for regional Australia, with a particular emphasis on Queensland.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n


\n\"Dieseil<\/p>\n

\nNews<\/p>\n

No cut to fuel excise in sight, despite soaring prices<\/p>\n

\nThe federal government has ruled out a reduction in fuel excise from its current level,
\ndespite the sharp rise in cost following military action in Iran.<\/p>\n

March 10, 2026\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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