Fuel Security: Community information on fuel security in Western Australia

Stay up to date with government advice on how to support fuel security in Western Australia.
Last updated:

Stay informed with the latest fuel updates, support for industry, community and regions on the Government actions and latest updates page.

Click here for the latest updates.

Western Australia’s fuel remains secure 

The State Government acknowledges that people may be feeling uncertain or worried about fuel security and distribution impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, but we are safe and WA’s fuel is currently secure.   

Most Western Australians are getting fuel where and when they need it. In those places where that's not happening, the WA Government is working to resolve any issues.

The WA Government is working closely with fuel suppliers to support a stable and reliable supply across the State, including in regional communities. 

For regular updates and more information, visit Western Australia's Fuel Security page.

How you can help

  • Buy only what you normally need to help make sure everyone can get fuel. 
  • Remember to treat fuel station staff and other customers with courtesy and respect. 
  • Check FuelWatch before you travel to view local fuel availability and pricing.
  • Find out the simple actions you can take to save on fuel. 

Is it safe to store extra fuel at home?

Keeping extra fuel at home can be hazardous if not handled properly. Fuel vapours are extremely flammable, and using improper containers or storage locations can significantly raise the risk of fire and other safety hazards. 

You can have legal obligations under state dangerous goods legislation when storing or handling certain quantities.   

There is no need to stockpile fuel. Buy only what you normally need to help make sure everyone can get fuel.

Safe Work Australia has guidance material on the storage of flammable liquids which is available on the Safe Work Australia website. 

How do I find the cheapest fuel near me? 

You can check for the best fuel prices near you by using FuelWatch, either through the web browser on your computer or mobile phone, or the ServiceWA mobile app. 

Across most of WA, fuel retailers are required to notify their next day's retail price for each fuel they sell by 2pm.  

Retailers must stay at that notified price from 6am the following day for 24 hours, protecting WA motorists from the frustrating intra-day price fluctuations common in other states.   

Next day fuel prices are published from 2:30 pm. At that time, FuelWatch shows the prices for today and tomorrow, helping you choose the most cost-effective time to fill up.  

Monitoring fuel retailer prices and conduct

The Australian Government is taking action to ensure consumers are not unfairly disadvantaged by the current Middle Eastern conflict.  

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is now reporting weekly on fuel prices, monitoring unusual price spikes. Penalties for false or misleading conduct and cartel behaviour have been doubled. 

FuelWatch also helps retailers, wholesalers and oil companies comply with legislative obligations.  

Consumer Protection is carrying out extra checks at fuel stations in the FuelWatch boundary across WA to ensure fuel is being sold at the correct notified price, and fuel prices are clearly and correctly displayed.  

For more information on FuelWatch and fuel prices, visit the Consumer Protection website. 

If you suspect a retailer of unfair conduct, please report it to FuelWatch

Expanding fuel supply

To strengthen Australia’s fuel security, the Australian Government has implemented measures to expand fuel supply, including:  

  • Additional stock has been released, with up to 762 million litres of fuel distributed (up 20%)
  • Temporary fuel quality standards adjusted, adding 100 million litres per month  
  • Transport and logistics rules relaxed to speed up distribution 
  • Fuel suppliers authorised to coordinate supply (but not prices) to address shortages 
  • Fuel Security Services Payment adjusted to support local refineries and long-term supply 

Visit the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) website for more information on:  

Australia’s fuel security  

 

This webpage will continue to be updated about the situation affecting fuel supplies to Western Australia.

Western Australia's Fuel Security

Get the latest information on fuel security in Western Australia, and learn how the WA Government is working with the Australian Government to help keep our fuel supply secure.

Government actions and latest updates

Stay informed with the latest fuel updates, support for industry, community and regions.

Information for industry

Stay up to date on the actions being taken to strengthen WA's fuel security.

Will Western Australia run out of fuel?

 Western Australia’s fuel supply remains secure. Fuel shipments are arriving as expected. This site will be kept up to date with the latest information. 

Where does WA’s fuel come from?

WA primarily uses refined fuel imported from large refineries in Asia, including in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. These refineries buy crude oil from a mix of suppliers, including from Middle Eastern producers. WA does not generally import crude oil directly for local use.  

WA’s exposure to the Middle East is therefore indirect, through the refineries that process crude oil into fuel. 

Fuel is shipped to WA by regular commercial tanker services. Fuel arrives at established import terminals around Perth, and at some regional ports. 

Why do some service stations run out of fuel?

Current demand spikes are the result of increased purchasing, not increased usage, so everyone is encouraged to buy only what they typically need to help keep supply steady for all. 

On 1 April, the WA Government issued instructions under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act, requiring fuel companies to share information about their supply chains.  

This will provide more visibility and ensure fuel is sent where it’s needed most. See more information on the industry page. 

The situation is being closely monitored in real time, with systems in place to manage localised disruptions.  

FuelWatch can show you which retailers have notified about fuel availability. Use the website’s filters function to show service stations with fuel unavailable.

What is the government doing about price gouging?

The Government, via the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety is monitoring fuel prices each day and over the period of the conflict to ensure consumers are being treated fairly in the prices being charged by retailers. 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is also tracking and reporting fuel prices every week, monitoring for unusual price increases.  

Penalties for misleading conduct such as anti-competitive conduct, price fixing and collusion between sellers have doubled.   

If you suspect a retailer of unfair conduct, please report it to Consumer Protection consumer@lgirs.wa.gov.au  

What should I do during this time?

To help fuel security in WA, please:  

  • Do not stockpile fuel – there is enough supply for everyone. 
  • Buy only what you normally need. 
  • Check FuelWatch for fuel prices near you, after 2:30pm you can also see tomorrow’s prices.   
  • Be patient and respectful to fuel station staff. 
  • Report suspected price gouging or unfair conduct to Consumer Protection.  

Should I be working from home?

There is no current direction to work from home under Level 2 of the National Fuel Security Plan.  

The advice provided as part of Level 2 is to only buy the fuel that you need.  

For more information on the National Fuel Security Plan visit: https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/national-fuel-security-plan 

What should I do if a service station fuel price doesn’t match what’s showing on FuelWatch

Motorists should contact FuelWatch if prices are not being displayed correctly at fuel stations.  

Consumer Protection is carrying out extra checks at fuel stations in the FuelWatch boundaries across WA to ensure fuel is being sold at the correct notified price, and fuel prices are clearly and correctly displayed.     

Fuel station operators who do not follow the rules may receive warnings, fines, or even face prosecution.

Have a question or want to report a problem?

Fill in the form to get assistance or tell us about a problem with this information or service.

Send feedback