SYDNEY – Australia’s Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced Saturday that the country will continue relaxed fuel quality regulations through September as supply chain disruptions create challenges for the nation’s fuel availability.
“I’ve decided to extend the period of higher sulphur for petrol in Australia,” Bowen stated during a televised announcement.
The temporary measure, first implemented in March, allows sulfur levels in gasoline to reach 50 parts per million, a significant increase from the standard 10 parts per million limit.
The country, which relies on imports for the majority of its fuel needs, has seen scattered supply shortages as ongoing international conflicts have created disruptions in global fuel distribution networks. The conflict referenced has now entered its eighth week.
Meanwhile, operations at a Viva Energy oil refinery in Victoria state continue at reduced capacity following a recent fire incident. Bowen reported that production levels remain stable from the previous day.
“The Geelong refinery is working at 80% capacity for diesel and jet fuel and 60% capacity for petrol — that is still the case,” the Energy Minister explained.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Friday that the refinery incident would not necessitate fuel rationing measures across the country.
Additionally, Albanese recently finalized an agreement with Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas energy company to provide supplemental fuel supplies to Australia. The deal was secured following diplomatic visits to Singapore and Brunei focused on strengthening the nation’s energy security.
