The Federal Court has ordered Mobil Oil Australia to pay $16 million in penalties for misleading consumers at nine service stations across north and central Queensland.
The ruling comes after Mobil admitted to breaching Australian Consumer Law by falsely claiming that fuel sold at these locations contained its proprietary "Mobil Synergy" additives between August 2020 and July 2024.
Despite prominent branding and signage promising that the fuel would "protect your engine" and "remove harmful deposits," the Court found these claims to be a total falsehood.
In reality, the fuel supplied to sites in towns including Aitkenvale, Barcaldine, and Yeppoon was unadditised and substantially identical to generic fuel sold at non-Mobil retailers.
ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh noted the severity of the deception, noting that fuel is an essential household purchase where consumers are entirely dependent on a retailer’s honesty.
"There is no way of knowing what you’re putting in your tank other than relying on the signage," Keogh stated, adding that many motorists likely chose these sites specifically for the promised engine performance benefits that did not exist.
As part of the judgment, Mobil—which cooperated with the ACCC and admitted liability—must also publish corrective notices, implement a strict consumer law compliance program, and cover the ACCC’s legal costs.