Australia Eases Fuel Standards to Boost Supply Amid Shortage Fears

The Labor government expects the move to add 100 million litres of petrol per month to the market, with priority for regional areas.

A fuel pump shows the prices of fuel at a Ampol gas station in Sydney, Australia, on March 10, 2026. George Chan/Getty Images

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced a temporary relaxation of Australia’s fuel quality standards in a bid to increase domestic supply and ease pressure on fuel prices.

The measure will allow petrol with higher sulfur levels to be sold in Australia for 60 days, a step the government says will redirect additional supply into the domestic market.