- Further 8 million litres of diesel secured from
bp for strategic stockpile
- Fuel to be positioned in Geraldton and the
Goldfields, supporting local industry
- Extra shipment part of the Cook Labor Government's
nation-leading fuel security response
The Cook Labor Government
has secured an extra 8 million litres of diesel for WA's strategic stockpile, bringing
the State controlled backup supply to 20 million litres.
The extra supply of fuel -
provided by bp - can be accessed in Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Kwinana where it can
be quickly distributed to farmers and miners facing supply challenges.
Expected to be net debt
neutral, the fuel will be sold on to customers.
It comes as a shipment of
4 million litres of diesel arrived in Wyndham on Monday, shoring up emergency
supplies in the Kimberley.
The cargo is the first
tranche of the State's strategic stockpile and is expected to be used by remote
communities which rely largely on diesel generation for power in addition to
the agricultural, resource and transport sectors.
The strategic stockpile
will be 100 per cent WA owned and able to be used at the discretion of the
State, providing an agile volume of liquid fuel when supply is compromised.
This approach complements the Federal
Government's Minimum Stockholding Obligation, which requires fuel companies to
hold reserves.
Today's announcement
builds on the Cook Labor Government's nation-leading fuel security response,
including:
- implementing State of Emergency powers
compelling fuel companies to provide detailed supply chain information;
- adding every retailer in the State to FuelWatch
and increasing fines by 300 per cent; and
- allowing larger triple road trains and heavier
loads of milk and perishables.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"This extra shipment
means we will have backup fuel in Kwinana, Geraldton, Wyndham and the
Goldfields, supporting communities right across Western Australia.
"With 20 million litres
of backup diesel, we will be able to quickly direct fuel to where it's needed
most.
"This 100 per cent
State-owned diesel builds on top of the federally mandated stockpiles and is
additional to diesel already coming into WA for domestic use.
"My government is working
around the clock to navigate this global issue and keep our State moving."
Comments attributed to Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade
Sanderson:
"While supply is firming
up and prices are trending downward, we want to be overprepared, which is why
we are continuing to build the State's strategic stockpile.
"The fuel crisis has
shown just how important it is to act fast and be flexible.
"Having a stockpile of
diesel strategically positioned in areas of need gives us the ability to
quickly address specific supply issues and solve problems before they arise."
Comments attributed to
bp Country President for Australia Paul Augé:
"We're proud to support the Western Australian
Government in strengthening the State's fuel reserves by securing additional
diesel that can be accessed at bp's Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Kwinana terminals.
"Backed by bp's global
import capability, this adds resilience to the supply chain and provides
Western Australians with confidence, bolstering fuel security and supply during
periods of volatility and heightened demand."
