Australia exported fuel during crisis, government plans import mandate
Australia shipped 60 million litres of biofuels overseas in six months while facing about three days of critical domestic fuel supply.
While Australia scrambled for petrol and diesel in early 2026, the country was exporting about three days' worth of emergency fuel supply overseas. More than 60 megalitres of Australian-made biofuel went to South-East Asia and Korea in the first half of the year alone, while E10 stocks dropped out of service stations.
Australia holds only 41 days of petrol and 33 days of diesel, well below the international safety standard of 90 days. The federal government is now consulting on a volumetric mandate.
This would require fuel companies to buy Australian biofuels. A new alliance of producers including Manildra and Wilmar Sugar says the policy could add at least three days of supply.
This would help ease fuel price spikes. More than 60 countries already require biofuel purchases.
- 60 million litres
- Biofuel exported
- 41 days
- Days of petrol held
- 33 days
- Days of diesel held
- 90 days
- International requirement
Why it mattersFuel security directly affects petrol prices and supply stability, especially during crises. Keeping more domestic fuel in Australia buffers against global shocks and price swings.
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