Australia imports approximately 80% of its refined fuel, with limited domestic refining capacity. While supply remains stable, global geopolitical pressures, shipping delays and refinery constraints continue to create volatility risk across international markets.
There is no immediate cause for alarm. However, forward planning is prudent. Below, we’ve outlined what this means — depending on whether you’re an individual novated lease customer or managing a business fleet.
For Individual Novated Lease Customers
If you use your vehicle primarily for commuting and personal travel, short-term fuel volatility can affect both convenience and budgeting.
What to consider:
- Maintain a fuel buffer
Avoid letting your tank run low. Keeping fuel levels higher than usual provides flexibility if localised supply disruptions occur.
- Refuel strategically
Where possible, refuel earlier in the week and avoid peak demand periods.
- Drive efficiently
Combining trips, optimising routes and keeping your vehicle well maintained can reduce fuel consumption and stretch your budget further.
- Review your fuel budget
If your usage patterns have changed, it may be worth reviewing your current allocation to ensure it still aligns with your needs.
Small adjustments can help protect both your commute and your take-home pay from unexpected fluctuations.
For Business & Fleet Customers
For organisations managing multiple vehicles, fuel volatility introduces broader operational and cost-management considerations.
Risk mitigation strategies include:
- Encourage minimum fuel thresholds
Implement guidance for drivers to avoid running vehicles to critically low levels.
- Optimise route planning and scheduling
Reducing unnecessary mileage lowers exposure to supply disruption and cost volatility.
- Reinforce preventative maintenance
Well-maintained fleets operate more efficiently and reduce total fuel dependency.
- Monitor usage trends
Now is an ideal time to review fuel reporting data and identify opportunities to improve efficiency across your fleet.
Proactive planning strengthens operational continuity and protects budgets from short-term external shocks.
We’re Here to Support You
Whether you’re an individual lease customer or managing a broader fleet program, our team is available to help you review fuel budgets, usage trends and contingency planning.
If you would like to discuss your account or explore adjustments, please contact your account manager.
Staying informed and making small, practical changes today can help minimise disruption tomorrow.