BRANCH HEAD, LIQUID FUELS OPERATIONS AND ANALYSIS BRANCH
DEPARTMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
NOTICE UNDER SECTION 17A OF THE FUEL QUALITY STANDARDS ACT 2000 FOR VARIATION OF THE FUEL QUALITY STANDARDS (CONVENTIONAL DIESEL) DETERMINATION 2025
– Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (EXPIRY 30 September 2026)
I, Cris Cano, Branch Head, Liquid Fuels Operations and Analysis Branch, delegate of the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, provide the following information concerning my decision to grant an approval under section 13 of the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 (the Act).
Name of approval holder
Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 46 004 610 459)
Details of the approval
This approval varies the fuel standard for diesel set out in the Fuel Quality Standards (Conventional Diesel) Determination 2025 (Conventional Diesel Standard), so that fuel containing:
- a minimum flash point of 60.5 °C
is taken to comply with the relevant parameters specified in the Conventional Diesel Standard in respect of the supply of diesel.
Pursuant to paragraphs 13A(1) and (2) of the Act, the listed approval comes into force on the date of approval and remains in force for the period specified in the approval (being until 30 September 2026).
Summary of reasons for the approval
Having consulted with the Fuel Standards Consultative Committee as required by section 24A of the Act, I grant the approval with regard to matters specified under section 15 of the Act, in particular:
(a) The protection of the environment
The diesel fuel flash point parameter is not subject to environmental regulations and is specified in the Conventional Diesel Standard for safety and handling purposes. Allowing diesel with a lower minimum flash point of 60.5 oC to be supplied for use in Australia is not expected to impact on the environment. There is no impact of flash point on auto‑ignition temperature or other combustion characteristics that may affect vehicle or emissions performance.
(b) The protection of occupational and public health and safety
The reduction of minimum flash point from 61.5 oC to 60.5 oC does not change the Dangerous Goods Classification under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, or the required health and safety handling procedures. The reduction may require a change to the hazard identification number of the fuel in those states or territories that require flash point identification on storage labelling.
(c) The interests of consumers
The flash point of fuels is not expected to adversely impact on the interests of consumers. The flash point parameter does not have a direct correlation with the vehicle auto‑ignition temperature or other combustion characteristics that may affect engine performance. Reducing the minimum flash point from 61.5 oC to 60.5 oC is not expected to provide any negative impact on vehicle emissions, fuel consumption performance, operability or durability.
(d) The impact on economic and regional development
The lower minimum flash point will allow for improved utilisation and cost competitiveness of each barrel of crude oil, enabling Viva Energy Australia to maintain operations and supply of diesel during this period of unprecedented demand in the Australian market. The refinery’s operations generate employment opportunities and revenue to the local region.
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Cris Cano
Branch Head
Liquid Fuels Operations and Analysis Branch
19 March 2026