Australia is currently facing a national fuel supply crisis, with the government temporarily relaxing petrol and diesel quality standards to prevent shortages.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced that fuel standards would be relaxed for two months to increase supply to the domestic market.

The energy minister has relaxed fuel standards for two months to allow more supply to the domestic market… it will add 100 million litres of fuel a month to domestic supply.

For motorists, tradies, transport operators, farmers and machinery owners across Australia, this temporary change means vehicles may soon be running on fuel that doesn’t normally meet Australia’s strict quality standards.

By allowing higher-sulphur fuel into the domestic market, the government aims to keep petrol stations supplied and avoid shortages, particularly in regional areas. (Reported by ABC News, The Age and Australian Financial Review).

This change may help alleviate short-term supply pressures, but it also introduces new risks for vehicles and machinery, including reduced engine performance, higher fuel consumption, corrosion, and strain on emission systems.

With petrol prices already high, these risks could further increase running costs for drivers and businesses.

Proma’s multi-function fuel treatments offer a practical way to protect your engine during this period. Our PT5 Plus Petrol Treatment and DT5 Plus Diesel Treatment are designed to clean, lubricate, and safeguard critical engine components, helping vehicles maintain performance, reduce emissions, and improve fuel efficiency even when fuel quality is compromised.

How higher sulphur fuel can affect petrol engines

Sulphur occurs naturally in crude oil, and modern refining processes typically reduce sulphur to very low levels. When higher-sulphur fuel enters the system, it can affect petrol engines in several ways:

• Reduced fuel efficiency: Engines may burn more fuel to produce the same power, meaning more trips to the petrol station and higher running costs.
• Increased emissions: Higher sulphur content can contribute to air pollution and negatively impact the environment.
• Damage to emission sensors: Modern vehicles rely on sensitive emission-control sensors and catalytic systems, which can degrade when exposed to high sulphur fuel.
• Decreased engine performance: Sulphur-related deposits can build up in injectors, spark plugs, valves, and combustion chambers, leading to rougher running and reduced power.
• Higher maintenance costs: Over time, these issues can increase repair and servicing expenses for vehicle owners.

How higher sulphur fuel can affect diesel engines

Diesel engines are particularly sensitive to fuel quality changes, and high-sulphur diesel can have additional consequences:

• Reduced performance: Deposits and corrosion can affect power output and engine efficiency, increasing maintenance and downtime.
• Contamination of diesel particulate filters (DPF): Sulphur can block these systems prematurely, leading to costly repairs.
• Corrosion and wear: Combustion can produce sulphuric acid, which damages cylinder walls, fuel lines, injectors, pumps, and other engine components.
• Air pollution and health effects: Combustion produces sulphur dioxide, which contributes to air pollution and can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

Protecting your engine from lower-quality fuel

DT5 Plus Diesel Treatment

DT5 Plus Diesel Treatment is formulated for all diesel engines, automotive, marine, and stationary. Regular use can:

• Clean fuel systems, cylinders, and exhaust
• Control water, sludge, and fungus in the fuel system
• Lubricate vital components in pumps, injectors, and the upper engine area
• Smooth flame progression for more complete combustion and reduced emissions
• Improve DPF health and extend service intervals

Using DT5 helps reduce maintenance costs, extend engine life, and improve overall performance.

EZY-POR Fuel Additive Dispenser

EZY-POR Fuel Additive Dispenser is an essential accessory to our fuel additives. Its child-safe, drip-free design delivers every dose accurately, and the reusable dispenser works across multiple bottles. For clean, precise fuel treatment every time.

Take action today

Don't let high-sulphur fuel silently damage your engine and cause you to pay even more money on fuel than what you currently need to. Concentrated fuel treatments like PT5 and DT5 protect your vehicle or machinery from reduced performance, corrosion and costly repairs. Clean, lubricate and safeguard critical components now to maintain peak performance, lower emissions and save on fuel and maintenance.

Protect your vehicle or machinery today with Proma Fuel Additives.