Understanding your fuel supply
With global events impacting oil markets, we are seeing higher prices at the fuel pump and some localised shortages.
This webpage will be updated regularly, providing the latest information and the actions taken by the Australian and Victorian Governments to ensure supply.
Our fuel supply is secure
We know people are concerned, but Australia’s fuel is secure and continues to arrive in the quantities we’re expecting.
While Australia's fuel supply remains strong, we recognise that some customers are experiencing the flow‑on effects of high prices and localised shortages driven by people hoarding fuel.
We’re working closely with fuel suppliers to coordinate distribution to ease these bottlenecks.
We understand the pressures that rising fuel costs are putting on our cost-of-living.
We’re working closely with industry to keep fuel moving where it’s needed, particularly in regional areas.
How you can help
Consumers should purchase what they usually need so that no one has to go without.
Please remember to treat retail fuel station staff with the respect that all workers deserve.
Your shortcut to finding the best price for fuel near you
To see accurate prices from more than 1,500 service stations across Victoria and find the best price near you, use Servo Saver in the Service Victoria app. It’s free to download from the Service Victoria website.
Servo Saver now shows tomorrow’s maximum fuel price, or ‘cap’. This is the highest price a service station can charge for each fuel type, helping you plan ahead. The cap is published on Servo Saver by 4 pm and applies from 6 am the next day for 24 hours.
During the day, service stations can reduce prices but not increase them.
Taking action to tackle fuel prices
As prices rise across the board, we won’t let Victorians pay more than they should. That’s why Victoria’s mandatory fuel price reporting laws are now in effect.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is carrying out inspections to make sure fuel retailers are registered on Servo Saver and are reporting timely and accurate prices.
Victoria now possesses the most comprehensive and reliable set of daily fuel data in the country.
Consumer Affairs Victoria will hand over this data to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – this gives the watchdog more evidence to investigate the pricing strategies used every day, in every postcode.
The ACCC is reporting weekly on fuel prices and will investigate unusual spikes, with fines for misleading conduct and cartel behaviour now doubled.
Boosting our fuel supply
On 13 March, the Australian Government released up to 20% of our national diesel and petrol stockpile, making up to 762 million litres of extra fuel available, targeted to regional areas.
The Australian Government has also temporarily changed fuel-quality standards so that an extra 100 million litres of Australian‑refined petrol can stay in the country each month.
Further information on Australia’s fuel security can be found at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) website.
Stay safe when handling fuel
All Victorians are reminded that flammable liquids such as petrol carry health and safety risks. You might also have legal obligations under the state’s dangerous goods laws when storing or handling certain quantities – even at a residential premises.
To stay safe, it’s important that you:
- limit the quantities you have
- store fuels in proper containers and in a detached shed or garage, away from your house
- ensure the area where you are storing fuels is secure, well ventilated and that there are no potential ignition sources such as open flames or electrical equipment
- make sure you are prepared in case of emergency. Install working smoke detectors, keep a spill kit on hand and dispose of any fuel-soaked materials.
Further guidance
WorkSafe Victoria has further guidance on the storage and handling of flammable liquids.
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