The Western Australian government will extend the state’s emergency fuel powers until March 2027 while rolling out a series of digital upgrades to the FuelWatch platform to strengthen fuel supply security amid ongoing global shipping disruptions.
Under the proposal presented to Parliament today, the state of emergency under the Fuel, Energy and Power Resources Act 1972 will prolong mandatory weekly stock reporting for major petrol and diesel suppliers.
First implemented in April following conflict-driven shipping instability in the Middle East, the emergency powers aim to safeguard local supply chains and offer ongoing operational certainty to vital sectors, including mining and agriculture.
Parallel to the legislative measure, the state government is investing AU$485,000 to upgrade the FuelWatch service. Public reliance on the website has surged over the past six months, recording more than 17 million visits as average monthly traffic expanded from one million to nearly three million.
The upgraded platform will introduce geolocation functionality to assist drivers in locating nearby retailers, compare local prices, and allow motorists to submit price discrepancy reports directly through the site. The investment will also strengthen analytical capabilities for market monitoring, compliance, and investigative actions during supply shocks.
“Our access to detailed supply chain information — from port to petrol pump — has kept WA moving throughout the fuel crisis,” said Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“Extending the State of Emergency is a proactive and responsible measure that will ensure we continue to have a clear view of supply chains, giving confidence to WA businesses and communities.”
Commerce Minister Tony Buti highlighted that consumer reporting through the upgraded platform would complement existing enforcement activities, helping motorists find value at the bowser.
The initiative builds on Western Australia’s broader fuel response, which features a Fuel Security State Controller, a 20-million-litre strategic diesel stockpile, and a AU$100 one-off fuel support payment.
