Fuel Information

Useful links

Water in petrol

Water is in most storage tanks at service stations. The petrol will float on top in the storage tanks, however, as petrol is lighter than water, The tanks and pumping system are manufactured to take the petrol from the top of the tank. The water therefore, does not enter individual motor vehicle petrol tanks. Usually, fuel companies will test if water is in the petrol.

Adulterated fuel

Adulterated fuel is a petroleum product (eg petrol and diesel) that has been added to or manufactured using other hydrocarbon products such as heating oil or white spirit. Adulterated fuel can cause substantial problems and damage to engines leading to expensive repair bills.

There are also important safety concerns. Adulterated fuel often has a lower flash point than the normal product and therefore may be very dangerous.

Consumers who think they have purchased adulterated fuel should complain to :

  • The service station manager
  • The head office of the oil company

If not satisfied with the response a complaint can be lodged with Consumer Affairs.

If you've purchased fuel and you believe it has adversely affected or damaged your vehicle, you can report it to The Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and The Arts. You can make a complaint online or by calling 1800 803 772. Written complaints can be addressed to:

Clean Fuels and Vehicles Section
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601

Legislation

The quality of automotive fuel in Australia is regulated by the Australian Government Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 that places an obligation on the fuel industry, including fuel suppliers, to supply consumer with fuel that meets strict environmental requirements.

There are currently fuel quality standards for petrol, diesel, biodiesel and autogas (LPG).

Under current laws, you can buy petrol that contains up to 10% ethanol. Traders who sell fuel containing ethanol must label the fuel pump. The label must say that the petrol being purchased contains ethanol. See the Fuel Quality Information Standard (Ethanol) Determination 2003 for more information.

The Australian Government runs a fuel sampling program to monitor the quality of fuels sold in Australia and ensure compliance with the Act. Samples are regularly taken from importers, refineries, distributors and service station forecourts.

Pricing

The price of petrol is not directly regulated in Australia but is established by market forces. The Commonwealth Trade Practices Act prohibits anti-competitive behaviour, such as price fixing, by any industry. Consumers who have information on petrol price fixing are urged to contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) by calling 1300 302 502 or lodge an electronic complaint form or email petrol.monitoring@accc.gov.au