- Further 8 million litres of diesel secured from bp for strategic stockpile
- Fuel to be positioned in Geraldton and the Goldfields, supporting local industry
- Extra shipment part of the Cook Labor Government's nation-leading fuel security response
The Cook Labor Government has secured an extra 8 million litres of diesel for WA's strategic stockpile, bringing the State controlled backup supply to 20 million litres.
The extra supply of fuel - provided by bp - can be accessed in Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Kwinana where it can be quickly distributed to farmers and miners facing supply challenges.
Expected to be net debt neutral, the fuel will be sold on to customers.
It comes as a shipment of 4 million litres of diesel arrived in Wyndham on Monday, shoring up emergency supplies in the Kimberley.
The cargo is the first tranche of the State's strategic stockpile and is expected to be used by remote communities which rely largely on diesel generation for power in addition to the agricultural, resource and transport sectors.
The strategic stockpile will be 100 per cent WA owned and able to be used at the discretion of the State, providing an agile volume of liquid fuel when supply is compromised.
This approach complements the Federal Government's Minimum Stockholding Obligation, which requires fuel companies to hold reserves.
Today's announcement builds on the Cook Labor Government's nation-leading fuel security response, including:
- implementing State of Emergency powers compelling fuel companies to provide detailed supply chain information;
- adding every retailer in the State to FuelWatch and increasing fines by 400 per cent; and
- allowing larger triple road trains and heavier loads of milk and perishables.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"This extra shipment means we will have backup fuel in Kwinana, Geraldton, Wyndham and the Goldfields, supporting communities right across Western Australia.
"With 20 million litres of backup diesel, we will be able to quickly direct fuel to where it's needed most.
"This 100 per cent State-owned diesel builds on top of the federally mandated stockpiles and is additional to diesel already coming into WA for domestic use.
"My government is working around the clock to navigate this global issue and keep our State moving."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"While supply is firming up and prices are trending downward, we want to be overprepared, which is why we are continuing to build the State's strategic stockpile.
"The fuel crisis has shown just how important it is to act fast and be flexible.
"Having a stockpile of diesel strategically positioned in areas of need gives us the ability to quickly address specific supply issues and solve problems before they arise."
As stated by bp Country President for Australia Paul Aug:
"We're proud to support the Western Australian Government in strengthening the State's fuel reserves by securing and storing additional diesel at bp's Kwinana terminal.
"Backed by bp's global import capability, this adds resilience to the supply chain and provides Western Australians with confidence, bolstering fuel security and supply during periods of volatility and heightened demand."
