Aussies have been urged not to panic over fears a temporary dip in fuel standards will wreak havoc on their cars.
The Albanese Government revealed it was relaxing fuel quality standards, allowing petrol with higher sulphur content to flow into the domestic market for the next 60 days, to alleviate petrol supply issues stemming from the Middle East conflict.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the move would free up around 100 million litres of additional petrol each month, roughly equivalent to two extra days of national supply.
NSW mechanic and racer Cody McKay has slammed the decision to reduce fuel standards, with the higher sulphur content commonly referred to as ‘dirty’ fuel.
‘Not only are we getting screwed over with the petrol prices, but now they’re sending this crap quality fuel full of sulphur that we just don’t need in our cars,’ he said.
He said that the situation ‘upsets’ him as a mechanic who wants cars ‘safe and sound’ on the road for Australian families.
He urged drivers to take simple precautions: pump tyres to 36–40 PSI, keep vehicles properly serviced, and consider using fuel cleaner to keep injectors and pumps clear.
‘I’d really like you guys to stay on the road,’ he said.
NSW mechanic and racer Cody McKay has slammed the decision to reduce fuel standards
The Albanese Government revealed it was relaxing fuel quality standards, allowing petrol with higher sulphur content to flow into the domestic market for the next 60 days, to alleviate petrol supply issues stemming from the Middle East conflict
The move comes as the Middle East conflict disrupts global oil flows, particularly after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about one‑fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Fuel companies will also be allowed to hold less fuel in reserve, part of a broader plan to push more stock toward regional Australia, where panic buying has doubled fuel demand and left some communities facing empty bowsers.
However, motoring experts say the temporary drop in fuel quality will not harm most car engines.
The NRMA has urged motorists to stay calm, stressing that the fuel now being released is the same petrol Australians were using 12 months ago, before new sulphur limits came into effect in late 2025.
‘It’s not really dirty fuel in the sense that it’s going to hurt your engine,’ NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said.
‘It’s a temporary measure. It only affects petrol, it doesn’t affect diesel.’
Mr Khoury said the main issue is environmental, not mechanical.
‘There’s no need for people to be nervous or afraid,’ he said.
Fuel companies will also be allowed to hold less fuel in reserve, part of a broader plan to push more stock toward regional Australia, where panic buying has doubled fuel demand and left some communities facing empty bowsers
The higher sulphur content may slightly reduce the efficiency of modern emissions systems, but the short‑term impact on engines is negligible.
The change simply rolls back to what motorists were already using for years before the stricter 2025 standards.
Meanwhile, the government argues the decision is essential to prevent a deeper crisis.
Bowen confirmed Australia continues to receive fuel shipments, but warned that future supply threats are ‘realistic’ if the Middle East conflict escalates.
The International Energy Agency has also triggered a coordinated response among member nations, including Australia, to stabilise global markets by releasing emergency reserves.
The NSW Government will convene a fuel security roundtable on Monday, bringing together industry leaders, government agencies and unions to coordinate the state’s response to the escalating fuel shortage.
Premier Chris Minns said the meeting is essential to keeping supplies stable and ensuring every part of the sector is aligned.
‘We’re bringing together industry, stakeholders and government agencies so everyone is sharing information and ready to respond,’ he said.