Ampol delays Lytton maintenance to bolster fuel security

Ampol (ASX:ALD) announced a delay to the scheduled major maintenance at its 110,000 barrels per day Lytton refinery in Brisbane.

The turnaround, originally slated for early June, will now commence in August.

The postponement is expected to deliver an additional 300 million litres of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel to the domestic market, addressing supply strains caused by reduced Chinese exports and global volatility linked to the Middle East crisis.

The decision follows the federal government's adjustments to the Fuel Security Services Payment scheme.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen confirmed that the Margin Marker cap and collar have been raised by 3.6 Australian cents per litre, roughly equivalent to $5.70/bbl.

The new collar has increased from 6.4 Acpl to 10.0 Acpl, providing a financial safety net for refiners when margins fall.

Both Ampol and Viva Energy have committed to maintaining operations at their respective Lytton and Geelong facilities into the 2030s.

Furthermore, a 60-day temporary amendment to gasoline fuel standards will allow the Lytton refinery—which yields approximately 48% gasoline and 40% diesel—to redirect up to 100 million litres per month from the export market to local bowsers.

Together, Australia's two remaining refineries produce roughly 12 billion litres annually, meeting 20% of national requirements and providing a critical buffer against international market disruptions.