Preliminary findings from our 2026 national fuel audit show most fuel retailers are doing the right thing, but some still gave drivers less fuel than they paid for.
According to interim findings from our national audit conducted between March and April 2026, 62% of traders met compliance requirements and 82% of dispensers delivered accurate results. We will publish the final results later this year after we complete the full analysis.
The interim results show good compliance overall, but they also point to areas for improvement. So far, we found:
- NMI audited 424 fuel retailers across Australia
- Inspectors tested 2,937 fuel dispensers
- 62% of traders met compliance requirements
- 82% of dispensers delivered accurate results
- 137 dispensers, or 4.7%, short-changed consumers
- 133 dispensers, or 4.5%, over-delivered to consumers.
If a fuel dispenser gives a consumer less fuel than they paid for, our inspectors remove it from service until the operator fixes it and proves it is accurate.
We are using the results to keep industry standards high. We:
- issued 199 non-compliance notices
- are investigating 2 enforcement matters
- will use the results to guide education, follow-up checks and further compliance action
- will share the findings to help traders improve their checks.
The audit also showed that many traders need better checks. Only 29% had quality assurance processes in place. Traders with these checks were less likely to have serious problems.
We will use the final results to act where needed to make sure drivers get the fuel they pay for.
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These checks protect consumers and support honest businesses who are doing the right thing.
