An Australian federal court has imposed a $11.3 million penalty on Mobil Oil Australia for deceiving customers about the quality of gasoline sold at service stations across Queensland, according to the nation’s competition watchdog announced Tuesday.
The company, which distributes gasoline, diesel and other petroleum products to Australian retailers and operates under the ownership of energy giant Exxon Mobil, faced legal action from regulators over deceptive marketing practices.
Australia’s Competition and Consumer Commission brought the case to court in 2024, charging that the petroleum supplier had deceived customers regarding fuel quality at six branded service stations throughout Queensland.
On Tuesday, the oil company acknowledged it had provided false information to consumers from August 2020 through July 2024, incorrectly advertising that its “Mobil Synergy Fuel” included specific performance-enhancing additives, according to the commission’s announcement.
The deceptive practices took place at nine Mobil service stations across northern and central Queensland communities, including Aitkenvale, Barcaldine, Berserker, Biloela, Guthalungra, Proserpine, Rasmussen, Rural View and Yeppoon.
According to the regulatory agency, the gasoline provided to these locations was identical or nearly identical to standard fuel without additives available at competing non-Mobil retail locations.
The commission stated that the false advertising occurred through various signs and promotional materials at the nine service stations that highlighted the supposed advantages of Mobil Synergy Fuel.
“Petrol is an essential good for most households, and there is no way of knowing what you’re putting in your tank other than relying on the signage provided by the retailer,” stated ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh.
“We considered it very likely that some people chose to fill up at these petrol stations because they thought they were getting a different quality of petrol with particular benefits for their car engine,” Keogh added.
The commission confirmed that the company’s actions violated Australian consumer protection laws.
According to the regulator, Mobil has committed to working jointly with the commission to present proposed court orders and penalties to the judge.
The petroleum company did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment from news outlets.
