-
Posted by Allen Newton
- |
-
14 April, 2026
THE WEST Australian state government will buy four million litres of diesel fuel from local independent fuel supplier Cambridge Gulf, to be stored in the Kimberley.
A state government media release said the agreement would see additional volumes of diesel coming to Australian shores, with Cambridge Gulf placing extra orders from overseas suppliers.
The fuel is expected to arrive in the coming weeks and will be stored free-of-charge by Cambridge Gulf but 100% owned by the state which the media release said meant the fuel can be directed to where it is most needed.
“Having an additional quantity of diesel under Western Australia's direct control is important for remote Aboriginal communities and key industries such as agriculture which rely heavily on uncontracted fuel volumes,” the release said.
The option for future fuel purchases is now being considered, with capacity for up to 12 million litres to be stored at the Wyndham facility.
“The announcement represents a major step toward WA holding its own strategic stockpile of liquid fuel, allowing the State Government to respond swiftly to acute shortages and shore up fuel security.
“This approach complements the federal government's Minimum Stockholding Obligation, which requires fuel companies to hold reserves.”
The release said the decision built upon the state government's targeted work to secure fuel supply for all West Australians, including:
-
Introducing emergency powers compelling suppliers to provide detailed supply chain information
-
Expanding FuelWatch to include every operator in the state
-
Increasing access for triple road trains and allowing heavier loads for perishable goods.
-
Requiring the Fuel Industry Operations Group and State Fuel Controller to increase engagement with industry.
Premier Roger Cook said having access to this fuel now, with the ability to store more in the future, is a crucial step towards shoring up the state's fuel security for the future.
"It's diesel that will be 100% state-owned and reserved for those who need it most such as remote communities and the agriculture sector, allowing us to act quickly when we need to,” Mr Cook said.
Energy minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the state needed to prepare for the months ahead.
"This strategic stockpile will give WA a source of fuel under its direct control - providing much needed flexibility as we continue to navigate this global issue,” Ms Sanderson said.
"While fuel is important to many Western Australians, this is particularly true for remote communities and regional industries who rely on diesel for their operations.
"Those areas will directly benefit from this decision."
