HEAD OF DIVISION, GAS AND LIQUID FUELS DIVISION

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

– IOR ENERGY PTY LTD (EXPIRY 31 DECEMBER 2028)

I, Paula Svarcas, Head of Division, Gas and Liquid Fuels Division, delegate of the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, provide the following information concerning my decision under section 17D of the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 (the Act) to vary an existing approval made under section 13 of the Act.

Name of approval holder 

IOR Energy Pty Ltd (ABN 60 010 504 444) 

Details of the approval 

The existing approval to IOR Energy Pty Ltd was granted to vary the Fuel Quality Standards (Conventional Diesel) Determination 2025 (Conventional Diesel Standard) to permit the supply of diesel.

This approval extends the variation to the Conventional Diesel Standard so that fuel containing:  

• a minimum density value of 800 kg/m3 and a maximum sulfur content of 50 mg/kg supplied under contract to commercial road users
• a minimum density value of 790 kg/m3 and a maximum sulfur content of 125 mg/kg supplied under contract to commercial users for use in underground mining applications 

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 31 December 2028).  

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 

Overall, IOR’s diesel has benign emission characteristics compared to other diesel fuels. IOR’s independent emission testing program shows that the emissions from its underground mining fuel were much lower than comparable commercial diesel. Additionally, emissions in underground mines are closely regulated by state governments and mining operators. Under these circumstances, it is unlikely that there will be any significant impact on the environment from the use of this fuel.

The fuel supplied for commercial road use is refined at IOR’s Eromanga Refinery and supplied in the surrounding region. The dispersed use of this fuel in a small number of remote locations means atmospheric sulfur concentration remains low, hence it is unlikely that there will be any significant impact on the environment from the use of this fuel.

(b) The protection of occupational and public health and safety 

In general, high levels of sulfur in diesel can lead to increased emissions of particulates into the atmosphere. However, emissions in underground mines are actively monitored to protect the health of all staff working in confined mine environments. Equipment and vehicles using IOR’s fuel in underground mining applications must meet state emission standards. Additionally, IOR’s independent emission testing program shows that the emissions from its underground mining fuel were much lower than comparable commercial diesel.

The fuel supplied for commercial road use is refined at IOR’s Eromanga Refinery and only supplied in the surrounding southwestern Queensland region and other remote regions. The dispersed use of this fuel in remote locations means atmospheric sulfur concentration remains low, hence any adverse impacts on occupational and public health and safety arising from this approval would be limited.

(c) The interests of consumers 

It is in the interests of consumers to have a choice of products available for use. Both fuels will be supplied for contracted commercial users only. Enabling supply of IOR’s fuels through this approval will ensure that remote regions have access to fuel without paying a premium to source supply from coastal fuel terminals, particularly for remote regions where IOR may be the sole fuel supplier.

(d) The impact on economic and regional development 

IOR’s refinery and plants provide employment opportunities for the local community in regional areas of Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales. Commercial industries also benefiting from IOR include cattle transporters, long haul freight operators, local shire councils, regional mining and pastoral companies.

Located in remote southwestern Queensland, IOR’s Eromanga Refinery maintains a considerable number of jobs in the region, both directly and indirectly. The Eromanga Refinery is a significant contributor to its local community and is the only local fuel supply in several remote towns and projects in the surrounding region. Enabling the supply of fuels under this approval reduces the significant adverse impacts on the local region that would occur from sourcing fuel from coastal fuel terminals.

 …………………………………………………………………………. 

Paula Svarcas 

Head of Division

Gas and Liquid Fuels Division    

26 November 2025