Did you know that, from December 2025, Australia has begun enforcing major updates to petrol quality standards that will affect every service station in the country. These changes aim to reduce vehicle emissions, improve public health, and bring our fuel in line with global best-practice.
The updates, confirmed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and outlined in the Fuel Quality Standards (Petrol) Determination 2024 (PDF), include:
- Aromatics cap – Maximum aromatics in 95 RON petrol will drop from 45% to 35% by volume.
- Sulfur limit – All grades of petrol (91, 95, 98 RON) will have sulfur capped at 10 mg/kg.
These changes are part of Australia’s move toward Euro 6d emissions standards, which target lower noxious emissions from new vehicles. According to the DCCEEW impact analysis, the health and environmental benefits of cleaner fuel could total $6.1 billion by 2040.
Why It Matters to You
If you’re a service station owner, these changes aren’t just background policy, they affect your supply chain, site infrastructure, and daily operations.
- Compliance Risk
- Non-compliance can result in fines and enforcement action under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000.
- Owners are responsible for ensuring that fuel sold from their site meets the new specs, regardless of the supplier.
- Supplier Readiness
- You will need confirmation (in writing) from suppliers that fuel meets the updated standards.
- Keep certificates of analysis on file for at least two years for audit purposes.
- Infrastructure Compatibility
- Lower aromatics and sulfur content can change how fuel interacts with seals, gaskets, and lining materials in storage and dispensing equipment.
- Some sites may need proactive maintenance or part replacement to avoid leaks and contamination.
- Customer Communication
- Customers may have questions about “new” fuel, especially if they perceive changes in vehicle performance or price.
- Being able to clearly explain the benefits can increase customer trust.
What You Should Do Now
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Schedule an equipment audit | Identify and replace seals or components that may be incompatible. |
| Plan stock rotation | Avoid being left with non-compliant fuel after the cut-off date. |
| Train your staff | Ensure console operators can answer customer questions confidently. |
| Organise compliance records | Keep supplier fuel quality certificates for auditing purposes. |
| Update pump labelling | If necessary, reflect “Ultra Low Sulfur” messaging. |
How Oracle Petroleum Can Help You Transition
At Oracle Petroleum, we understand that regulation changes can be disruptive. We provide end-to-end support so you can remain compliant, avoid costly downtime, and even use this change to enhance your brand reputation.
Our services for this transition include:
- Fuel System Audits – Comprehensive checks to ensure tanks, pipes, and dispensers are ready for the new fuel specs.
- Supplier Liaison – We can request, review, and store your compliance documents.
- Staff Training – Onsite or remote training for console operators and managers.
- Fuel Testing – Independent lab analysis to verify fuel meets sulfur and aromatics limits.
- Environmental Risk Management – Assess and mitigate spill or contamination risks when making upgrades.
- Marketing Guidance – Help position your site as a leader in cleaner fuel and environmental responsibility.
The Bottom Line
All service stations must be ready for cleaner fuel standards. For most owners, that means ensuring supplier compliance, checking site infrastructure, training staff, and maintaining airtight records.
With Oracle Petroleum by your side, you can be confident your site is not just compliant, but prepared to turn this regulatory change into a business advantage.
Next Step: Book your Fuel Quality Compliance Audit today by visiting oraclepetroleum.com.au/contact.
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