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
– MOBIL OIL AUSTRALIA 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

Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 88 004 052 984)

Details of the approval

The existing approval to Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd was granted to vary the Fuel Quality Standards (Conventional Diesel) Determination 2025 (Conventional Diesel Standard) to permit the supply of diesel‑biodiesel blends containing up to 5% biodiesel (B5).

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

a maximum biodiesel content of 5% v/v
a maximum density of 852 kg/m3
a minimum derived cetane number of 46

is taken to comply with the relevant parameters specified in the Conventional Diesel Standard in respect of the supply of B5.

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, the use of B5 provides a modest reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by replacing conventional diesel with biodiesel, and has negligible impacts on the environment.

Tailpipe emissions from diesel-biodiesel blend use, compared to conventional diesel, will have both positive and negative impacts on air quality as the level of biodiesel in the blend increases. In general, emissions of oxides of nitrogen increase, but particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions all decrease.

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

Diesel containing up to 5% biodiesel has been shown to be similar to conventional diesel, and the same safety and handling protocols for conventional diesel can be applied. Its impact on occupational health and safety should be no greater than diesel already supplied to the market.

Granting this variation increases the opportunity to reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional diesel. It also gives the opportunity for consumers to purchase more sustainably produced fuels.

There are no operability issues for vehicle engines with blends containing up to 5% biodiesel, as evidenced by the allowance of such blends under the Conventional Diesel Standard, with the biodiesel component of the blend assisting with fuel lubricity and engine operation.

(d) The impact on economic and regional development

Enabling the supply of this fuel will support local Australian biodiesel producers, the development and sustainability of the Australian biodiesel industry, and reduce barriers to biofuel use.

………………………………………………………………………….

Paula Svarcas
Head of Division
Gas and Liquid Fuels Division
27 November 2025