17/03/2026
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So the Government is putting “dirty” fuel into the mix… what does this mean for you & your car?
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⛽ Firstly, what is a “dirty” fuel?
In this case within Australia, it’s any fuel that contains high Sulphur levels. Sulphur is a chemical component of crude oil that remains in petrol and diesel unless its refined out.
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⛽ Let’s talk about fuel standards.
Australia’s fuel standards prior to 2025 were low compared to many countries.
Our fuel standards were below countries such as USA, UK, Japan and China, where fuel sold in those countries must contain sulphur at levels of less than 10 PPM (parts per million)
Diesel in Australia had already been limited to sulphur levels of 10 PPM since 2009, whereas Unleaded Fuel types Premium 98 & 95 up until 2025 was sold at 50 PPM and Unleaded 91 at 150 PPM.
There was government legislation released in 2024 which was brought into effect in 2025, to make changes to the standard of fuel sold in Australia, restricting higher sulphur fuel.
This meant all Australian Service Stations could only sell fuel with a maximum sulphur level of 10 parts per million (PPM)
If you ask the Government though, there is no fuel shortage, however we all know that’s BS. So to try and keep up with the demand, the Government is easing the new fuel standards which will allow higher sulphur fuel to be blended into our current higher standard fuel.
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⛽ So, what amount of fuel will be sold as the “dirty” fuel?
There is an oil refinery in Brisbane, owned by Ampol which will produce fuel to 50 PPM to put into the Australian market (normally this is exported overseas to countries with lower fuel standards) and there is another located in Geelong which produces cleaner fuel at 10 PPM. This is all while they are waiting for the ships to arrive, apparently.
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⛽ What does this mean for my car?
Well, not a great deal so long as this is capped for the 60 days that the Government has said.
It’s important to remember though that this grade of “dirty” unleaded fuel, we were being sold up until last year.
But, higher sulphur levels are not great for engines because sulphur oxides, which over the long term can corrode engine components as it turns to into sulphuric acid.
So, you don’t really need to be doing anything different. Just ensure you are looking after your car and getting it serviced at regular intervals.🚗🧑🔧
