WA Secures 4 Million Litres of Diesel for Strategic Stockpile

Western Australia is bolstering its fuel security with the acquisition of a 4-million-litre diesel stockpile, a move Premier Roger Cook stated will be "100 percent owned by the state." This strategic reserve, set to arrive in the coming weeks and be housed in the Kimberley, is designed to combat acute, localized fuel shortages that have impacted the state. Cook emphasized that the diesel will be directed where it is most needed, particularly supporting remote communities and vital industries like agriculture that depend on uncontracted fuel volumes.

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It will be 100 per cent owned by the state, that means it can be directed to where it is needed most.

Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson highlighted the necessity of such a stockpile given Western Australia's unique geographical challenges as the world's largest single jurisdiction. She clarified that this is not for general public consumption but serves as a crucial top-up for areas facing acute needs or experiencing failures in localized supply chains. The deal was struck with independent fuel supplier Cambridge Gulf.

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In particular it will support our remote communities and key industries such as agriculture, which rely heavily on uncontracted fuel volumes.

This initiative underscores the state government's commitment to ensuring reliable fuel access across its vast territory, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by past supply disruptions. The Kimberley region's strategic importance for storage ensures accessibility to the northern parts of the state, while the state's ownership guarantees flexibility in distribution during emergencies.

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We are the largest single jurisdiction in the world, we have specific needs, which is why we need to have our own stockpile.