Will higher fuel sulfur levels affect your car?

What’s Going On With Fuel Right Now (And What It Means for You)

If you’ve been feeling the pinch at the bowser lately, you’re definitely not alone. With fuel prices climbing across Australia, the government has stepped in with a temporary solution to help ease both supply pressure and costs.

A Temporary Shift in Fuel Standards

Back in December 2025, Australia introduced stricter fuel quality standards, reducing the allowable sulfur content in petrol from 50 parts per million (ppm) down to just 10ppm. This was a positive move for the environment, helping to lower vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

However, in response to the current fuel supply challenges, the government has temporarily reversed this change.

For the next 60 days, fuel with up to 50ppm sulfur content will be reintroduced into the market. Around 100 million litres of this fuel (which would have otherwise been exported) is now being distributed to service stations across the country.

What Does This Mean for Your Car?

The good news is, your car is fully designed to handle this fuel. Modern vehicles are engineered to operate safely with a range of fuel specifications, including sulfur content of these levels. This means your engine, fuel tank, and other components will not be damaged by this temporary change.

All fuel in Australia has always contained some level of sulfur, and up until recently, 50ppm was the standard. There’s a strong chance you’ve already used fuel at this level without even realising it. This temporary change applies across all common unleaded fuel types, including 91, 95, and 98 octane.

Why the Change?

It really comes down to supply and cost. By allowing previously restricted fuel to be sold locally, it helps:

Boost available fuel supply across Australia
Provide some relief for motorists feeling the impact of rising fuel costs

What About the Environment?

While the move back to higher sulfur fuel isn’t ideal from an environmental perspective, it’s important to note that this is only a short-term measure. The stricter 10ppm standard was introduced to reduce emissions, and it’s expected that we’ll return to those lower limits once supply stabilises.

The Bottom Line

This temporary change is all about helping Australians manage rising fuel costs while keeping the country moving. You can fill up as usual knowing your vehicle is perfectly capable of handling the current fuel being supplied. With any luck, this adjustment will bring a bit of relief next time you’re at the pump.

Need some tips on saving money at the pump in the meantime? Check out our other recent blogs below!