ACT strengthens fuel transparency laws amid global supply uncertainty

The ACT Government has passed new legislation aimed at strengthening fuel supply transparency, improving consumer protections and enhancing preparedness for potential global fuel disruptions.

The Fuel Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly, gives the Government targeted powers to access timely and accurate information about fuel availability across the Territory when needed. The measures are designed to help protect households, businesses and essential services during periods of market uncertainty.

Under the amendments to the Fuels Rationing Act 2019, the Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water will have the authority to require fuel retailers to provide information on fuel stocks, supply levels and expected deliveries. The legislation also introduces penalties for businesses that fail to provide the required information, alongside stronger enforcement provisions.

The Government said the improved access to fuel supply data will allow authorities to better assess fuel availability in the ACT, respond appropriately to changing conditions and maintain protections around commercially sensitive information.

Strict confidentiality safeguards have also been included, making it an offence to improperly use or disclose protected commercial information obtained under the legislation.

Consumer protections have been further strengthened through amendments to the Fair Trading (Fuel Prices) Act 1993, with the maximum penalty for fuel price mismatching increasing from 20 to 50 penalty units. The changes are intended to improve pricing transparency and fairness for motorists, particularly during times of market pressure.

The ACT's approach aligns with measures being considered or implemented in other jurisdictions, including Western Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, following the 2026 Energy Crisis and related fuel supply disruptions.

The Government stressed that the legislation does not introduce fuel rationing and that there are currently no plans to implement restrictions. Officials said fuel supply across the ACT remains stable, with any isolated service station outages being resolved quickly as deliveries arrive.

Authorities will continue working closely with the Australian Government and other states and territories to monitor fuel supply and demand nationwide.

Canberrans are being encouraged to continue purchasing fuel as normal, with the Government warning that unnecessary stockpiling could place pressure on local service stations and contribute to avoidable shortages.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the new powers would help ensure the Government could respond quickly and effectively if disruptions occurred.

"While local fuel supply remains secure, these powers ensure the Government has the right information to act early so if disruptions occur, we can respond effectively and in the interests of consumers, businesses, and essential services," he said.

Mr Barr said the tougher penalties for fuel price mismatching would also strengthen consumer protections and improve transparency at petrol stations.

Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said reliable information would help maintain steady fuel supplies for Canberra households, businesses and essential services during periods of global uncertainty.

She said the reforms would provide Canberrans with greater confidence that fuel supply and pricing were being closely monitored to support fairness and supply stability across the Territory.