The WA Government has moved to strengthen fuel resilience by securing four million litres of diesel for a State‑owned strategic stockpile, intended to support essential services and industries during periods of localised disruption.
Premier Roger Cook said the decision reflected lessons learned from recent fuel supply challenges, particularly in remote and regional parts of the State.
"Having access to this fuel now, with the ability to store more in the future, is a crucial step towards shoring up our State's fuel security for the future.
"It's diesel that will be 100 per cent State owned and reserved for those who need it most such as remote communities and the agriculture sector, allowing us to act quickly when we need to,” said the Premier.
Energy Minister Amber‑Jade Sanderson said the strategic stockpile will, “give WA a source of fuel under its direct control - providing much needed flexibility as we continue to navigate this global issue.”
The diesel would be deployed selectively to maintain continuity for priority sectors, including agriculture, mining operations and Aboriginal communities, where supply interruptions can have immediate and serious consequences.
"While fuel is important to many Western Australians, this is particularly true for remote communities and regional industries who rely on diesel for their operations,”
said the Minister.
The fuel will be stored in the Kimberley, providing proximity to regions where logistical challenges are often most acute. The Government has indicated the arrangement allows for additional volumes to be secured in the future if required, with a facility capacity of up to 12 million litres.
While the volume has prompted debate about adequacy in a prolonged disruption, the Government has positioned the stockpile as part of a broader approach to fuel security, complementing existing market mechanisms and national arrangements.
The initiative aligns with a growing focus on resilience and preparedness in WA’s energy policy, alongside efforts to manage long‑term transition and decarbonisation objectives.