South Australia is preparing for the worst while hoping for the best, with the State Government moving to strengthen its powers in case the global fuel crisis escalates.
Premier Peter Malinauskas and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis have announced new legislation will be introduced to Parliament this week, designed to give the state greater control during a potential fuel emergency.
Despite ongoing concerns linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, fuel continues to flow into South Australia, and prices have eased from earlier peaks. But the Government says planning ahead is critical if the situation worsens.
At the centre of the proposal is the Petroleum Products Regulation (Emergencies and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2026, which would modernise the state’s outdated fuel emergency laws and bring them more in line with national standards.
One of the biggest changes would be extending how long fuel rationing could remain in place. Currently, restrictions can only run for seven days at a time, with parliamentary approval needed to go beyond 28 days. Under the new framework, an initial rationing period of up to 90 days could be declared, with the ability to extend it further if needed.
The Government says this would allow for faster, more flexible responses during a prolonged crisis, while also ensuring consistency with other states and the Commonwealth.
Importantly, the legislation would also introduce stronger protections for workers across the fuel supply chain, including service station staff and tanker drivers. Anyone who assaults, threatens or intimidates workers during an emergency could face penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment.
Additional enforcement measures are also on the table, including on-the-spot fines for breaches of rationing rules, penalties issued to vehicle owners, and the potential seizure of fuel obtained illegally.
The move builds on recent action targeting fuel pricing compliance, with the Government ramping up inspections and enforcement. A recent statewide blitz saw more than 500 inspections carried out, resulting in nine petrol stations being fined for failing to meet real-time pricing laws.
“We have acted decisively to ensure retailers are complying with their real-time fuel pricing obligations, but there is more to do to ensure South Australia is prepared for every potential scenario,” Malinauskas said.
“As always when confronted with a crisis beyond our control, we are hoping for the best while doing all we can to prepare for the worst.
“To be clear, this is not a signal that we expect fuel rationing will occur. It is simply ensuring that should the Commonwealth Government take action, the state is in the best position to respond nimbly.”
Koutsantonis said protecting frontline workers was a key priority if conditions deteriorate.
“In a time of crisis, the last thing we want to see is customers taking their frustrations out on retail staff and others working in the petroleum supply chain,” he said.
“If an emergency order is invoked, the same level of enhanced penalties will apply to fuel workers, to ensure they can continue to serve the community when they are needed most.”
