The petroleum industry is booming, with a steady increase in the number of fuel stations built across the State contradicting claims that petrol cars are on their way out, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has said.

The Australian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA) reports that there are 7100 service stations operating in Australia, as of June 2021.

It is also estimated that over 115 new service stations have been developed across south-east Queensland from January 2017 to 2020.

The Hinchinbrook MP said it appeared service stations remained massively profitable despite the Government’s net-zero plan and long-term environmental improvement targets.

“The gradual increase in service stations demonstrates that major companies still have confidence in the industry despite reports that electric vehicles are the way of the future,” Mr Dametto said.

“This trend of increased service stations is not exclusive to the south-east, after consultation with some North Queensland councils, it’s become evident that new service stations are popping up all over the State.

“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 8 service stations with one being constructed in the same time period.

“So, if there is an increase in service stations which would indicate an increase in fuel emission, why is the State Labor Government not pushing for cleaner fuel such as uptake of E10?

“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.”

Under the KAP’s proposed Liquid Fuel Supply (Ethanol and Other Biofules Mandate) Amendment Bill fuel retailers will need to ensure that the E10 fuel they sell contains a minimum of 9 per cent and a maximum of 10 per cent ethanol.

The Bill, which also proposes higher penalties for fuel retailers who refuse to comply with the State’s biofuels mandate, is currently in the consultation stage and the Hinchinbrook MP intends to introduce this to Parliament in the coming months.

20220503 – ND media release – Service station industry is pumping despite EV revolution