ACCC investigating allegations of anti-competitive conduct by major fuel suppliers

The competition watchdog has announced it is investigating allegations of anti-competitive conduct by major fuel suppliers in regional and rural Australia.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has taken the unusual step of announcing it is investigating reports about diesel availability to independent wholesalers and distributors supplying regional and rural Australia.

It will probe the conduct of major players — Ampol, BP, Mobil and Viva Energy.

"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.

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

The ACCC called an emergency meeting with the industry earlier this week asking it to justify its pricing.

A spokesperson for BP told the ABC they were engaging with the ACCC. 

"We take these matters seriously and are reviewing the claims raised. BP will continue to engage with the process as it progresses," the spokesperson said.

"As this is an active investigation, we are unable to comment further at this time."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has this morning announced Anthea Harris will be appointed as the federal government's fuel supply task force coordinator.

Ms Harris is the former head of the Australia Energy Regulator and former chief of the Energy Security Board.

The ABC has contacted Ampol, Mobil and Viva Energy for comment.

Wholesale petrol sales in Australia are dominated by four major suppliers — Ampol, BP, ExxonMobil and Viva Energy.

According to the ACCC, these four suppliers accounted for the majority of wholesale petrol sales in Australia and around 85 per cent of total national wholesale sales volumes between 2023 and 2024.

A report released by the ACCC in November 2025 found imports of petrol had increased over time as domestic fuel refining reduced.

"In 2023–24, imports made up around 64 per cent of total petrol supply volumes in Australia, with the remainder sourced from domestic refineries (around 36 per cent)," the report stated.