Lack of fuel security plan puts WA at risk

Media Release | 9 March 2026

Shadow Minister for Mines and Petroleum Shane Love MLA says the State Labor Government’s lack of a clear contingency plan for fuel security in Western Australia exposes the state’s economy and critical industries to unnecessary risk.

Mr Love said recent supply disruptions had already demonstrated how vulnerable Western Australia is to fuel shortages, despite government assurances about stockpiles.

“Western Australia’s economy relies heavily on secure fuel supplies, particularly for our mining and resources sector, transport, and regional communities,” Mr Love said.

“Yet we have seen situations where supply chains have been disrupted and key industries have already struggled to access fuel. That should be setting off alarm bells in government.”

Mr Love said the closure of the Kwinana refinery highlighted the lack of long-term planning from the Government.

The Kwinana Oil Refinery ceased refining operations in 2021, removing the state’s only major fuel refining capability.

“Allowing the closure of Kwinana to occur without meaningful government intervention or even a serious discussion about how we maintain fuel security in WA shows a complete lack of vision,” Mr Love said.

“The Government likes to talk about ‘Made in WA’, but it appears as though fuel security has not been part of that conversation.”

Mr Love said Western Australia has the potential to strengthen domestic fuel production and supply chains, including exploring local biofuel opportunities.

“We grow crops such as canola that could be used to produce biofuels right here in Western Australia, supporting regional jobs while improving fuel resilience,” he said.

“Instead, the Government has failed to take seriously what is clearly a key strategic threat to our state.”

Mr Love said the Government must develop a clear plan to safeguard fuel supplies for the state’s critical industries and communities.

“Fuel security is not something you can take for granted in a state as large and remote as Western Australia,” he said.

“What we are seeing right now is a failure to plan and a failure to recognise the strategic importance of fuel to our economy and way of life.”

ENDS