ACCC Investigates Anti-Competitive Diesel Supply Conduct

ACCC News Centre

Filed March 19th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched an enforcement investigation into alleged anti-competitive conduct by major fuel suppliers regarding diesel supply in regional and rural Australia. The investigation is being conducted urgently due to widespread concerns about fuel pricing and supply.

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What changed

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has initiated an enforcement investigation into Ampol Ltd, BP Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, and Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd concerning allegations of anti-competitive conduct related to diesel supply to independent wholesalers and distributors in regional and rural Australia. This action is prompted by reports received by the ACCC and is being treated with urgency due to significant public concern over fuel pricing and supply issues, particularly in light of the Middle Eastern conflict.

Regulated entities, specifically fuel suppliers, should be aware that the ACCC is actively scrutinizing market conduct and is prepared to enforce competition and consumer laws swiftly. While the investigation is in its preliminary stages and no view has yet been formed, the ACCC's public announcement signals a heightened level of regulatory scrutiny. Companies involved or operating in this sector should ensure their practices comply with Australian competition laws to avoid potential enforcement actions.

What to do next

Review diesel supply contracts and practices for compliance with competition law.
Monitor ACCC communications regarding this investigation.
Ensure transparent and competitive pricing and distribution of diesel fuel.

Source document (simplified)

Date

19 March 2026

The ACCC has launched an enforcement investigation into allegations of anti-competitive conduct by each of the major fuel suppliers, Ampol Ltd, BP Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, and Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd.

The ACCC received reports concerning diesel availability to independent wholesalers and distributors servicing regional and rural Australia. This investigation will assess the alleged conduct.

“The ACCC is closely scrutinising all fuel markets during this period, and we have received reports of alleged anti-competitive behaviour. We are therefore investigating these matters urgently,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

“It is not our usual practice to publicly announce investigations, but given the significance of the issue, the ACCC is confirming this enforcement investigation. We recognise the widespread concerns held by consumers, businesses and farmers about fuel pricing and supply issues arising during the Middle Eastern conflict.”

“It is important that fuel market participants and the community know that we are closely watching market conduct in relation to all fuels and we will not hesitate to act swiftly to enforce Australia’s competition and consumer laws,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“Our investigation is at a preliminary stage, and therefore we are yet to form a view about these matters."

Background

The ACCC is an independent statutory government authority and Australia’s peak consumer protection and competition agency.

The ACCC uses a range of tools to promote and enforce compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act.

The ACCC will publish the next weekly update of the monitoring report of fuel prices in Australian capital cities, with the inclusion of prices in 190 regional locations, on Friday.

Release number

18/26

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