Published on Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 2:19:39 PM
Webinar 25/3/2026: DEED Operational Area Support Group Meeting – Liquid Fuel Supply Disruption
Presented by Paul Power, General Manager - Emergency Management, Energy Policy WA, Department of Energy and Economic Diversification.
Fuel Supply Disruption – Key Briefing Points
This document summarises the key messages and operational takeaways from the recent WA fuel supply disruption briefing, with particular relevance to local governments and district coordination.
1. Drivers of Current Demand Spike
The regional supply imbalance is primarily being driven by increased purchasing behaviour. This has been influenced by rising fuel prices, with consumers seeking to purchase fuel ahead of anticipated increases, and community concern regarding supply disruption arising from geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
2. Incident Status and Governance Arrangements
The Coordinator of Energy, as the Hazard Management Agency (HMA) for energy supply disruptions, has declared a Level 1 incident. Two key response structures are in operation: (1) the Fuel Industry Operational Group established by the Minister for Energy to coordinate industry and affected sectors; and (2) a State Management Team operating under the State Hazard Plan, with an appointed Incident Controller (Rob Cossart), focusing on stabilising regional supply.
3. Immediate Operational Focus
Current actions are focused on pushing additional fuel stocks into regional Western Australia and ensuring priority users are supported. Agriculture is a key focus due to the seasonal timeframe, alongside other critical sectors. Commonwealth-held stocks are being released and are expected to flow through the market over coming days.
4. Public Messaging and Community Behaviour
Authorities are emphasising that no fuel rationing is currently in place. The public is encouraged to purchase normal fuel quantities only. While global uncertainty has driven price increases, fuel shipments into WA are expected to continue in the coming weeks. The ACCC is monitoring pricing behaviour for potential price gouging.
5. Escalation Pathways and Legislative Framework
Should conditions escalate, impacts would likely be gradual, including delayed fuel shipments. Any move towards rationing would occur through Level 2 before Level 3 escalation. Legislative powers under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act 1972 would enable emergency directions and the prioritised allocation of fuel. Commonwealth intervention may override state arrangements to ensure national coordination.
Back to All News