New service stations fuel MP’S battle over cleaner petrol
IT is time the state government capitalised on the booming petrol industry and boosted ethanol levels in E10, the Katter’s Australian Party deputy leader has said.
As the party prepares to introduce the Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofuels Mandate) Amendment Bill into parliament in coming months, Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said that despite net-zero plans and long-term environmental improvement targets, more service stations were being built. Mr Dametto said the gradual increase in service stations demonstrated that major companies still had confidence in the industry despite reports electric vehicles were the way of the future.
KAP said it was estimated 115 new service stations had been developed across the southeast corner with more than 7100 operating across Australia as of June 2021.
“This trend of increased service stations is not exclusive to the southeast, after consultation with some North Queensland councils, it’s become evident that new service stations are popping up all over the state,” Mr Dametto said.
“For example, Charters Towers LGA has 11 service stations of which two of these have been constructed or expanded in the last five years.
“And Hinchinbrook LGA has eight service stations with one being constructed in the same time period.”
Mr Dametto said this increase should lead to the government pushing for cleaner fuel.
“Currently, the E10 fuel in Queensland must have no more than 10 per cent ethanol in the blend, however the lack of a floor figure allows oil companies to cash in at our expense.
“The current legislation misleads consumers as they are under the impression that they are purchasing fuel that has been advertised as cleaner and better for the environment when in reality the lack of a floor figure essentially means there could be as little as 1 per cent ethanol in the blend.”
In an answer to a Question on Notice in January, Energy and Renewables Minister Mick de Brenni said the average ethanol percentage sold to motorists had increased from 2.6 per cent in the January to March quarter, 2018, to 2.9 per cent in the April to June quarter, 2021.
Mr de Brenni said that about 47 per cent of fuel stations held an exception to the mandate.
Mr Dametto said the party’s legislation would ensure E10 fuel retailers would need to sell the fuel that contains a minimum of 9 per cent and maximum of 10 per cent ethanol.
The Bill, which is in the consultation stage, also proposes higher penalties for retailers who refuse to comply with the mandate.