CANBERRA, March 20, 2026 — Australia’s competition regulator has granted temporary permission for major fuel companies to coordinate fuel supply logistics in response to disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an urgent interim authorisation to the Australian Institute of Petroleum and its members, allowing them to exchange information and coordinate fuel distribution to prevent shortages across the country.
The authorisation permits cooperation on supply management but explicitly prohibits companies from discussing or agreeing on fuel prices.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the regulator moved quickly to approve the request due to the potential impact of global supply disruptions on consumers, businesses and farmers. However, she warned that allowing competitors to coordinate carries risks for competition, prompting the ACCC to impose safeguards.
Under the conditions, companies must follow directions from federal, state and territory governments regarding fuel allocations, particularly ensuring that independent distributors and wholesalers continue to receive supply.
The regulator also introduced measures intended to preserve independent distribution networks, noting that smaller fuel suppliers play a critical role in regional supply chains.
The interim authorisation will remain in place while the ACCC conducts public consultation on whether to grant a final authorisation.
At the same time, the regulator has intensified its monitoring of fuel prices, shifting from quarterly to weekly reporting due to heightened volatility. Its latest update shows retail petrol and diesel prices continuing to rise, though increases have slowed compared with the early weeks of the Middle East conflict.
Average petrol prices across Australia’s five largest cities reached about 234.1 Australian cents per litre on 18 March, while diesel averaged around 275.7 cents per litre, reflecting rising international benchmark fuel prices.
The ACCC said it will continue closely monitoring both fuel supply conditions and pricing behaviour during the period of global market instability.
