Businesses

We are at Level 2 of the National Fuel Security Plan. Fuel remains available, but supply pressures and localised disruptions may impact business operations. 

Decorative.

Fuel is critical to businesses across Australia. The Australian Government is working closely with industry, international partners and state and territory governments to maintain fuel supply, support distribution and minimise impacts on businesses.

What the government is doing

The government is taking action to support business continuity, reduce cost pressures across the economy and keep supply chains moving. Measures are in place to stabilise the fuel market, protect supply chains and ensure critical industries can continue to operate.

Key actions underway

Increasing fuel supply from international and domestic sources. This includes:

  • additional imports through underwriting and international partnerships
  • supporting domestic refining
  • releasing reserve fuel into the market
  • securing additional reserves through the Australian Fuel Security and Resilience Package.

Reducing costs for businesses by cutting the fuel excise, providing additional fuel price relief through GST cuts, and setting the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero.

Supporting distribution and supply chains by working with industry to reduce bottlenecks and maintain fuel deliveries, including in regional and remote areas.

Expanding supply options through temporary changes to fuel standards, allowing more fuel to be brought into and kept in Australia.

Maintaining fair market conditions by monitoring pricing and providing more frequent fuel data to support business planning.

Visit the full list of government actions to read more about these announcements and further measures being taken by the government.

Financial support available for businesses

Support is available for businesses to reduce financial pressure, support cashflow and maintain operations.

Tax relief and payment support

  • Temporary tailored payment support is available for eligible businesses that can demonstrate they are unable to meet their tax obligations due to reduced capacity to pay caused by high fuel costs.
  • The fuel excise duty on petrol and diesel has been reduced by 60.9%. This applies for 3 months from 1 April to 30 June 2026. This will save Australians 32 cents per litre at the bowser, reducing the cost of a 65-litre tank by around $23.
  • Eligible businesses can claim credits for the fuel tax included in the price of fuel used in their business activities, such as fuel used in heavy vehicle, machinery and equipment. Check the current fuel tax credit rates.
  • The fuel tax credit calculator has been updated with the new rates for this period.
  • The heavy road user charge has been set to zero for 3 months, with the next scheduled increase deferred by 6 months, to 1 January 2027.

Interest free loans

The Australian Government’s Economic Resilience Program provides interest-free loans to impacted manufacturing and logistics businesses in critical sectors, including:

  • freight
  • fuel
  • fertiliser
  • plastics.

Free financial counselling

If you’re experiencing financial pressure, you can access free, confidential support from a financial counsellor.  

Eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship can access the rural financial counselling service (RFCS).

Grants and business support programs

Additional support may be available through government grants and programs, depending on your location and industry. Find out if there are grants, funding or support programs available for your business.

Guidance for operating though disruptions

Businesses are encouraged to take early action to maintain continuity and reduce risk. Consider practical steps you can take to plan ahead and limit disruptions.

Operational planning

  • Review how your business operates and identify where fuel impacts may occur.
  • Prioritise fuel use for essential activities.
  • Monitor usage and reduce non-essential consumption.

Supply chain management

  • Review your supplier contracts and freight terms, including fuel surcharges and delivery timeframes. Many delivery companies are increasing their fuel surcharges in response to higher fuel prices.  
  • Keep an eye on parcel delivery costs and adjust your shipping rates if needed.
  • Build flexibility into inventory planning to manage delays.
  • Adjust schedules to allow for delays or identify alternative measures to limit impacts.
  • If you ship through the Middle East, you should review your insurance coverage, engage early with your logistics partners and inform your consumers on potential delays and cost impacts.
  • Check Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit for regular updates on impacts for Australian exporters.

Workforce planning

  • Changes to fuel availability may affect how your staff travel and work. Talk to your staff about their circumstances and whether flexibility is needed.
  • Keep staff informed about changes to operations.
  • Consider reducing non-essential travel. Keep an eye on travel advice on Smartraveller if you have staff overseas or travelling.

Keeping your workplace safe

Fuel remains available and businesses do not need to stockpile or hoard fuel. Stockpiling flammable liquids such as petrol and diesel can be dangerous.

If you store, handle or use flammable liquids, see Safe Work Australia’s guidance material to keep you and your workers safe.  

Need more help?

Support is available for businesses across Australia.