SYDNEY, April 18 – Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the extension of relaxed fuel-quality standards until September to address ongoing supply challenges triggered by the Iran war.
Bowen stated in televised remarks, “I’ve decided to extend the period of higher sulphur for petrol in Australia.” This measure, first introduced in March, raises the permissible sulphur content in fuel from 10 parts per million to 50 parts per million.
Fuel Supply Disruptions
Australia, heavily reliant on imported fuel, faces lolized shortages as the conflict, now in its eighth week, disrupts global supply chains.
Refinery Operations Update
Production levels at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Geelong, Victoria—Australia’s second-most populous state—remain steady. Bowen confirmed the facility operates at 80% pacity for diesel and jet fuel, and 60% pacity for petrol, unchanged from the previous day.
Government Response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured the public on Friday that the recent refinery fire would not lead to fuel restrictions. Earlier this week, Albanese finalized an agreement with Malaysia’s Petronas for additional fuel supplies following diplomatic visits to Singapore and Brunei to secure energy resources.
