The Digester
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Australia lowers diesel flashpoint for six months to ease shortages

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has approved a six month cut to the diesel flashpoint to let refiners increase output and widen import options, with industry and experts saying the one degree change should not affect engine performance or emissions.

Apr 3rd 2026 · Australia

Insights

  • The government has temporarily reduced the diesel flashpoint standard from 61.5 degrees Celsius to 60.5 degrees Celsius for six months.
  • The change allows refiners to include slightly more volatile, shorter chain hydrocarbons in diesel, increasing production flexibility and yield.
  • Lowering the flashpoint broadens the range of imported diesel that meets Australian rules and eases supply constraints at service stations.
  • Australia will still keep one of the highest diesel flashpoint standards globally, compared with Europe at 55 degrees Celsius.
  • Experts say a one degree reduction is unlikely to materially affect safety if fuels are stored and handled correctly.
  • The country has two operating refineries, Ampol in Lytton and Viva Energy in Geelong, which say the change increases production and import options.

Sources