NSW fuel supply update FAQs

Yes. Overall fuel supply remains secure.

The current challenge is fuel distribution, not a lack of fuel coming into NSW.

Distribution pressures are being driven by increased demand, transport and logistics constraints, and how fuel is contracted and delivered.

The NSW Government is working with industry and the Australian Government to manage these pressures.

The situation is changing and is being monitored closely.

The NSW Government will continue working with industry to resolve issues as quickly as possible and provide updates as new information becomes available.

To understand the situation and support fuel distribution across the state, the NSW Government is:

• operating a Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre to track fuel availability, forecast demand and coordinate fuel deliveries across NSW
• using legislative powers to require major fuel companies to provide information on fuel supply plans, particularly for regional NSW
• using this information to build a clearer picture of fuel availability and how government can work with the fuel industry and customers
• supporting national coordination by appointing the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Anthony Lean, as NSW’s fuel coordinator
• working closely with the national Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to manage emerging distribution issues
• prioritising fuel supply to regional NSW, particularly diesel for agriculture, freight, transport and essential services
• monitoring fuel availability across NSW using verified information and FuelCheck data to identify and respond quickly to localised outages
• increasing NSW Fair Trading compliance and enforcement activity to protect consumers from misleading fuel pricing and incorrect price reporting
• implementing the updated NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy to make electric vehicles (EVs) even more accessible with a further $100 million investment. EVs provide benefits for individuals and the community, as they reduce emissions, cut transport costs and strengthen fuel security.
• boosting freight efficiency by increasing access to the road network for larger trucks that can carry more goods in a single trip and easing restrictions on operating hours. These measures will allow longer trucks to use at least 18% less diesel per ton of payload and carry 33% more additional freight.
• providing more travel options for around 1.5 million passengers each week by adding 166 extra Sydney Metro services between Tallawong and Sydenham. 

Investment Delivery Authority

From 1 June 2026, the NSW Government will launch a targeted Expression of Interest (EOI) round through the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), calling for major projects that safeguard the State against future global fuel supply shocks.

A Market Sounding process will run alongside, to help understand what’s needed to unlock future investment related to fuel security.

For more information on the IDA visit Investment Delivery Authority.

Renewable Fuel Scheme

The NSW Government will expand the Renewable Fuel Scheme to include low-carbon and renewable liquid fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and biodiesel.

This will help will boost local low carbon fuel production, reduce exposure to global supply disruptions, cut emissions in hard to electrify sectors, support regional jobs, and attract private investment through stronger long term demand signals.

Industry will be consulted throughout 2026, for more information visit Renewable Fuel Scheme.
 

The NSW Government is improving freight efficiency to help keep goods moving and reduce pressure on fuel supply.

Temporary measures are allowing larger and longer trucks to carry more goods per trip to reduce the number of trips needed and providing greater flexibility around operating hours, including night freight where appropriate. These measures will allow longer trucks to use at least 18% less diesel per ton of payload and carry 33% more additional freight.

No. Emergency services, hospitals and other frontline government services remain fully operational.

Arrangements are in place to prioritise fuel for critical services if distribution pressures increase.

Schools remain open and operational.

There are no changes to attendance requirements, and principals will continue working with families to manage individual circumstances if needed.

Regional communities are encouraged to buy fuel as they normally would and avoid panic buying.

The NSW Government is prioritising fuel deliveries to affected regional areas and working with industry to address local supply issues.

The NSW Government has been engaging regularly with the Australian Government on fertiliser supply and is working to support the agriculture sector with advice, decision support tools, and farm business planning.

More information can be found on the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

Building Commission NSW has published guidance to support both consumers and trades who may be concerned about the potential impacts of rising fuel prices on construction projects.  

Information for consumers can be found here: Concerned about rising fuel costs? Your building contract still protects you

Information for trades can be found here: Rising fuel costs: what trades need to know about contracts, insurance and compliance

Fuel prices are set by individual service stations and can vary widely, even within the same suburb.

Using FuelCheck can help motorists compare prices and choose the best option before filling up.

Fuel prices are not capped in NSW, and price increases alone are not illegal.

However, service stations must not mislead customers, charge more than the displayed price, or publish incorrect prices or availability on FuelCheck.

Service stations must not display prices for fuel they cannot supply.

If you believe a station is showing incorrect prices or availability, you can report this to NSW Fair Trading.

The NSW and Australian Government are working with industry, regulators and the business and finance sectors to help ease cost pressures on households and businesses.

The NSW Government is focused on:

• improving fuel price transparency through tools like FuelCheck
• monitoring compliance with pricing rules
• supporting broader cost-of-living relief measures and practical support for individuals, households and businesses.

Practical help is available:

• Use FuelCheck and the E10 compatibility check to help manage fuel costs
• Visit the NSW Cost of Living hub for information, support and practical tips to help manage household expenses, including transport, energy and everyday costs
• Check eligibility for savings through the Savings Finder and other NSW Government rebates and assistance.

The NSW Government is not encouraging people to stockpile fuel. Hoarding fuel can worsen supply pressures and may create safety risks.

People are encouraged to:

• only purchase the fuel they normally need
• avoid storing fuel unsafely
• follow advice from authorities and emergency services.

Storing extra fuel at home can be dangerous if it is not done correctly. Fuel vapours are highly flammable, and storing fuel in unsuitable containers or locations increases fire and safety risks.

Fuel should only be stored in approved fuel containers, kept in a well‑ventilated area, away from ignition sources and out of reach of children. The NSW Government strongly encourages people to buy only what they need and avoid stockpiling fuel.

Unused fuel should be disposed of safely through local council services or Community Recycling Centres.

More information is available on the NSW EPA website.

At this stage, there are no plans to provide free transport as part of fuel supply responses.

The NSW Government continues to support public transport services and encourages people, where possible, to consider public transport, working from home or reducing non‑essential travel.

Regular public transport passengers benefit from the $50 weekly travel cap for Adult fares, $25 for Concession and Child/Youth fares, and $2.50 daily cap for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free.

On Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside peak times, fares are 30 per cent cheaper on metro, train, bus and light rail services.

The NSW Government monitors demand across the travel network to support people choosing public transport.

As part of this, Sydney Metro services are being temporarily increased to give people more travel options and help reduce reliance on car travel.

From mid‑April to 7 June 2026, services between Tallawong and Sydenham will run with:

• more weekday peak services, and
• more frequent weekend services.

This temporary uplift adds 166 extra services each week and is expected to benefit around 1.5 million passengers.

Electric vehicles can help reduce reliance on liquid fuels and provide more transport options during fuel supply disruptions. The NSW Government supports EV uptake through incentives, charging infrastructure and practical guidance.

Find out more:

• Practical support for households
• Resources to make your business EV ready
• Support for businesses and fleets, including funding to purchase EVs and install charging infrastructure
• Read the NSW Government's Electric Vehicle Strategy (April 2026)