The ACCC has launched an investigation into allegations of anti-competitive conduct by each of the major fuel suppliers, Ampol Ltd, BP Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, and Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd.
The ACCC received reports concerning diesel availability to independent wholesalers and distributors servicing regional and rural Australia. This investigation will assess the alleged conduct.
"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 investigation. We recognise the widespread concerns held by consumers, businesses and farmers about fuel pricing and supply issues arising during the Middle Eastern conflict," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
"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.
Background
The ACCC is an independent statutory government authority and Australia's peak consumer protection and competition agency.
The ACCC uses a range of tools to promote and enforce compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act.
This includes, when appropriate, commencing proceedings in the Federal Court for alleged breaches of the Act.
The ACCC will publish the next weekly update of the monitoring report of fuel prices in Australian capital cities, with the inclusion of prices in 190 regional locations, on Friday.
