Ampol Delays Lytton Refinery Maintenance Until August 2026 to Ease Australia’s Fuel Supply Crisis
Ampol has postponed the scheduled maintenance shutdown of its Lytton refinery in Brisbane from early June to early August 2026, aiming to keep more fuel flowing into the Australian market amid ongoing supply shortages and higher prices.
The six-week maintenance period, which involves essential inspections, repairs, and upgrades, was originally planned for June but has been pushed back by two months. This decision will allow the refinery to produce and supply an extra 300 million litres of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel during that critical window.
Ampol CEO Matt Halliday said the move follows a detailed technical assessment of the facility and was made in consultation with the Australian Government. He emphasized the vital role domestic refineries play in supporting national fuel resilience, especially in the current global oil market environment shaped by disruptions from the Iran conflict.
Why the Delay Matters
Australia is heavily reliant on imported fuel, with domestic refineries now supplying only a small portion of national demand. The country has just two operational oil refineries left: Ampol’s Lytton plant in Brisbane and Viva Energy’s facility in Geelong, Victoria. This leaves the nation vulnerable to international supply shocks, as seen in recent weeks with hundreds of service stations running low or completely out of fuel and motorists facing significantly higher prices at the pump.
The government has also eased certain fuel standards temporarily, which Ampol says will enable the Lytton refinery to supply an additional 80 to 100 million litres of petrol each month.
Broader Context
The postponement comes as Australia grapples with tighter global supply chains caused by the ongoing Iran conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ampol has been actively sourcing alternative crude supplies, including from the United States, to maintain operations.
Halliday noted that while the company has sufficient stock on hand for now (around 45 days’ worth including shipments at sea), prolonged international disruptions could increase pressure on prices and availability. He expressed hope for continued dialogue with the Federal Government on the long-term future of refining in Australia.
The Lytton refinery has a capacity of approximately 109,000 barrels per day. Delaying the turnaround helps prevent further strain on already stretched fuel supplies during the winter months when demand patterns shift.
Motorists are still advised to plan ahead, as localized shortages and elevated prices are likely to persist in some areas until supply stabilizes.
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