Independent petrol station operators and miners are urging the federal government to crack down harder on major fuel wholesalers hoarding supply and withholding deliveries from smaller operators.<\/p>\n
Amid growing disruption from the Iran war<\/a>, smaller operators are running out of fuel, including in rural and regional areas. Outlets that buy petrol on the spot market, and do not operate with longstanding contracts for fuel supply, have asked for extra help, including from the government\u2019s new fuel supply tsar.<\/p>\n Paul Andronicou, who runs four Fast Fuel petrol stations in Melbourne\u2019s suburbs, said wholesalers were discriminating against smaller operators.<\/p>\n \u201cBranded company-operated sites are being prioritised for deliveries,\u201d he said. \u201cThen the branded independent sites come next. Guys like me, that are our own brand, who are spot buyers, are being locked out.\u201d<\/p>\n Andronicou is turning away customers because he has not had reliable supply of unleaded and diesel since the conflict started on 28 February. Some suppliers have sent premium unleaded and premium diesel, but those products are less in demand.<\/p>\n \u201cThe moment the first missile was fired, this kicked in. I have only had dribs and drabs, anything people have less. But I am paying as much as 14c more a litre, when I can get it.\u201d<\/p>\n He called on the government to look at how big players including Ampol, Viva Energy, BP and Mobil were treating independent operators.<\/p>\n Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email<\/a><\/p>\n Small miners, represented by the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, have also asked for major wholesalers to ensure fuel supply chains remain functional.<\/p>\n The association warned of \u201ca serious disconnect between these wholesalers and the independent distributors\u201d.<\/p>\n The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, last week announced an investigation into alleged anti-competitive behaviour<\/a> over diesel availability for independent operators, naming major suppliers in a rare statement.<\/p>\n She told Guardian Australia the competition watchdog had already received more than 500 reports about possible price-gouging.<\/p>\n Andronicou said the companies were making significantly increased margins.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you see the returns in the next financial year disclosures, we\u2019ll see people doing very well out of this.\u201d<\/p>\n Guardian Australia approached the companies for a response. Mobil, Viva and Ampol did not respond before deadline.<\/p>\n A spokesperson for BP said the company\u2019s priority was \u201cto ensure it meets its contractual obligations to existing customers.<\/p>\n \u201cFollowing the government\u2019s approval of a 20% release of BP\u2019s minimum stockholding obligation, we are working closely with governments and our distributors to deliver additional fuel to regions.\u201d<\/p>\n