Over the last few months, we’ve seen a sharp rise in people searching on our website for for Fair Fuel, Fair Fuel Plan, and Fair Fuel compliance across Australia. Many operators are hearing these terms for the first time and are looking for practical, trustworthy information. The truth is that “Fair Fuel” is not a single national law, but a collection of state-driven initiatives, consumer-protection requirements, and transparency expectations that influence how fuel retailers operate across the country.
Because so many site owners are now finding Oracle Petroleum while researching this topic, we’ve put together a nationwide overview that helps clarify what applies where, what is currently under review, and what every operator should be watching.
What “Fair Fuel” Actually Refers To
“Fair Fuel” has become an umbrella term used by media outlets, regulators, and advocacy groups to describe measures aimed at:
- Improving price transparency
- Reducing misleading or deceptive claims around fuel quality
- Ensuring accurate fuel labelling and additive disclosure
- Supporting competitive, fair pricing practices
- Providing greater consumer protection
Each state and territory approaches this in its own way, often using different names, schemes, or regulatory bodies. Some are highly formalised (like Victoria’s initiatives), while others rely on broader consumer law enforcement or fuel price reporting programs.
Nationwide Summary: How Each State Handles Fair Fuel Requirements
Victoria
Victoria currently has the most attention around “Fair Fuel” initiatives, especially due to investigations and enforcement actions regarding misleading fuel quality claims. The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the ACCC have been highly active in monitoring fuel accuracy, additives, pricing transparency, and consumer disclosures.
Operators should be prepared for stricter scrutiny and clear, consistent documentation about fuel quality claims.
New South Wales
NSW enforces strict FuelCheck participation for real-time price reporting, and has a history of issuing penalties for non-compliance with display and pricing laws. While it does not use the phrase “Fair Fuel Plan,” its regulatory environment strongly aligns with the principles behind the term: accurate pricing, consumer fairness, and transparent practices.
Queensland
Queensland requires retail sites to participate in the Fuel Price Reporting (FPR) Scheme and has active enforcement around competition and fair trading. The state also periodically reviews fuel quality standards and monitors claims around premium fuels.
Western Australia
WA’s FuelWatch framework is one of the most established transparency systems in the country. It enforces strict next-day price locking and requires retailers to submit prices daily. This contributes significantly to national conversations about “fair fuel” practices.
South Australia
While SA does not have a real-time reporting mandate, it enforces fuel quality, measurement accuracy, and consumer protection laws. There has been increasing public pressure for stronger price transparency measures, which may evolve over time.
Tasmania
Tasmania has voluntary price-reporting mechanisms and relies heavily on the ACCC and national fair-trading laws to regulate claims, additives, and fuel quality issues. Operators should watch for potential shifts toward more formal transparency frameworks.
ACT & NT
Both the ACT and Northern Territory have implemented their own price-monitoring or mandatory reporting schemes at various times. While the names of these programs differ, their purpose aligns with the broader national movement: ensuring retailers are transparent, accurate, and fair in their pricing and fuel quality claims.
Why Site Owners Are Suddenly Asking About Fair Fuel
Three main reasons:
- Recent ACCC actions have brought fuel quality claims back into the national spotlight. Many operators were surprised to learn how long the alleged misleading conduct took place and what constitutes a breach.
- Consumer awareness is rising. Customers are more informed, more vocal, and more likely to question whether premium fuels actually contain the additives advertised.
- Search trends have spiked.
At OP, we’ve noticed a strong surge in traffic from operators looking for guidance. This tells us the industry is preparing for shifts in compliance expectations.
How Site Owners Can Stay Compliant Australia-Wide
Even though each state has its own rules, there are universal principles every site must follow:
- Ensure all price signage matches real-time pump pricing
- Participate in your state’s mandatory price reporting scheme if one exists
- Confirm your measurement accuracy through regular testing and calibration
- Maintain clear internal records about fuel deliveries, additives, and supplier assurances
- Avoid any marketing language that could be interpreted as misleading or unverifiable
If you’re unsure, don’t use the claim. Fair trading regulators take a strict stance on any statement that could influence consumer decisions.
What to Expect Going Forward
Fuel pricing and quality transparency continues to be a high-interest topic at both the state and federal levels. While Australia does not have a single nationwide “Fair Fuel Plan,” the combined effect of the state schemes, ACCC enforcement, and consumer pressure is moving the industry toward:
- Greater consistency
- Higher accountability
- Stricter monitoring of claims
- More streamlined reporting expectations
In other words: the direction is clear, even if the path varies from state to state.
Final Recommendation for Operators
Because Fair Fuel requirements differ by jurisdiction and continue to evolve, site operators should:
✔ Bookmark your state’s fuel price reporting portal
✔ Watch for updates from the ACCC and state fair-trading bodies
✔ Review your fuel quality claims and marketing materials
✔ Audit your compliance processes regularly
✔ Seek specialist guidance when in doubt
At Oracle Petroleum, we’ll continue monitoring these developments and providing updates so operators can stay ahead of the curve rather than responding after the fact.