Federal Government Launches Fuel Conservation Campaign
The Australian federal government has initiated a multi-million-dollar advertising campaign aimed at encouraging citizens to reduce their fuel consumption. This move comes as hundreds of service stations across the country continue to face shortages of one or more types of fuel.
The campaign, titled “Every little bit helps,” will be featured on television, radio, and through billboards and posters. It serves as a reminder that Australia is currently operating under level two of the four-level National Fuel Security Plan. Level two is referred to as “keeping Australia moving,” while level three involves taking targeted action, and level four would see the government intervene to protect critical fuel users and prevent major economic disruption.
According to multiple media reports, the government’s fuel conservation ad campaign is estimated to cost $20 million. The opposition has criticized the initiative, prompting ministers, including the Prime Minister, to defend it on breakfast radio. The campaign isn’t just about reminding Australians that fuel is expensive and scarce; it also includes a dedicated website, fuelplan.gov.au, offering drivers practical fuel-saving tips.
These tips include:
- Buying only the fuel you need
- Using air-conditioning and heating on low settings
- Driving with your windows closed
- Pumping up your tyres to the highest recommended pressure
- Removing unnecessary exterior parts like roof racks and spoilers to reduce drag
- Carrying less weight
- Minimising idling
Opposition figures have been vocal in their criticism of the campaign. Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson told Sky News Sunday Agenda: “Frankly, I don’t think Australians want to be lectured by taxpayer-funded political propaganda about driving less.” He added, “They want a government that does its job and makes sure that we are supplied with the refined fuel that we need … and an advertising campaign is not going to make that happen.”
As of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Australian Government had 38 days of petrol remaining based on the normal rate of consumption, as well as 31 days of diesel supply – up from 29 days and 26 days, respectively, in mid-March.
To address the situation, the Australian Government has already reduced the fuel excise for three months, starting from April 1, 2026, halving it from 52.6 cents per litre to 26.3cpl. This was quickly followed by state and territory governments across the country discounting fuel by 5.7cpl, funded by revenue raised from the goods and services tax. These discounts will run until June 30, 2026.
Other measures taken by the government include temporarily amending Australia’s fuel quality standards to return to higher sulfur levels from March until May, allowing for around 100 million litres a month of new petrol supply. The flashpoint for diesel fuel has also been lowered to allow for more supply options.
Additional actions by the government include a three-month removal of the heavy vehicle road user charge for vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of over 4.5 tonnes, the underwriting of oil shipments, and the appointment of a Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator.
While the government has ruled out fuel rationing for now, provisions within the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act – updated in 2019 – outline a rationing mechanism that would limit motorists to a set dollar amount of fuel per transaction.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is flying to Brunei and Malaysia this week in a bid to secure the supply of fuel and fertiliser into Australia.
