Generic Hero BannerGeneric Hero Banner
Latest Market News

Australia's Ampol to focus on EV charging: Correction

  • Spanish Market: Biofuels
  • 20/05/25

Corrects sale details in paragraph 4

Australian fuel retailer and refiner Ampol is shifting its focus to electric vehicle (EV) charging and renewable fuels by selling its electricity retail businesses in Australia and New Zealand, it said today.

But Ampol will continue to refine oil at its 109,000 b/d Lytton refinery and import oil products.

Ampol plans to sell all its shares in Ampol Energy Retail, excluding its EV charging business, to Australian energy retailer AGL Sales, the firm announced in an Australian Securities Exchange statement on 13 May.

Ampol is also selling the energy retailing portion of its wholly-owned subsidiary Z Energy, known as Flick Energy, to New Zealand power company Meridian Energy.

The firm is simplifying its approach to energy by focusing on the EV charging and renewable fuels sectors, it said. Further details on Ampol's divestment will be provided in its half-yearly results on 18 August 2025, the firm said.

Ampol launched its decarbonisation and future energy strategy in May 2021. It has since made plans to complete the Lytton Ultra Low Sulphur Fuels project at the end of 2025 to produce gasoline specifications compliant with the new fuel standard by the Australian Federal Government.

The firm has previously expressed the need for long-term policies to support the uptake of renewable fuels and remains committed to progressing its Brisbane renewable fuels study.

Ampol plans to reach delivery of 500 EV charging bays in Australia by 2027. Ampol missed its target of 450 charging bays in Australia and New Zealand in 2024, delivering only 315, mainly because of complexities around grid connection and sluggish EV sales.


Related news posts

Argus illuminates the markets by putting a lens on the areas that matter most to you. The market news and commentary we publish reveals vital insights that enable you to make stronger, well-informed decisions. Explore a selection of news stories related to this one.

12/06/25

Ireland keeps double counting for Pome biofuels

Ireland keeps double counting for Pome biofuels

London, 12 June (Argus) — The Irish transport ministry has signed an amended regulation that will continue to allow for biofuels made from palm oil mill effluent (Pome) oil to be counted twice towards domestic mandates, but prevent the granting of additional renewable fuel certificates to biofuels made from the waste feedstock from 1 July. Irish biofuels legislation allows for two renewable fuel certificates to be generated per megajoule for fuels made from feedstocks listed in Annex IX of the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (RED), which includes Pome oil. This is known as double counting. A second piece of legislation, the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 (Additional Certificates for Renewable Transport Fuel) Regulations, allows for extra certificates to be generated for fuels from Annex IX feedstocks on top of double counting. The amended regulation will prevent the additional generation of 0.5 certificates per megajoule of hydrotreated vegetable oil, 0.4 certificates per megajoule of fuel supplied into the aviation sector and 0.4 certificates for megajoule of fuel supplied into the marine sector, if produced from Pome oil. Biofuels produced from other feedstocks listed in Annex IX will still be eligible for this. The National Oil Reserves Agency, which administers Ireland's biofuels mandate, reviewed Pome oil consumption data last year and recommended excluding Pome oil-based fuels from double counting, along with an exclusion from additional certificate generation. It also suggested implementing a Pome oil cap for the mandate, but acknowledged administrative barriers. Ireland was one of four member states that last year approached the European Commission to ask for its support in the analysis of Pome oil-based biofuel usage. The commission responded by saying it would be launching a working group with member states on sustainability and fraud in the lead-up to states transposing the recast RED III. By Simone Burgin Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EU ethanol market monitors possible reclassification


12/06/25
12/06/25

EU ethanol market monitors possible reclassification

London, 12 June (Argus) — The European ethanol market awaits the final verdict of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the registry of classification and labelling (CLH), on the potential classification of ethanol as a carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR) substance. The decision is expected in the second half of this year. The classification would ban the use of ethanol in certain cosmetic applications. Some market participants said that it could mean that additional protective measures would be required when handling fuel grade ethanol, such as operators having to wear protective clothing and monitoring their exposure more closely. European renewable ethanol association ePure said that the decision "would have many undesirable and disproportionate effects in multiple sectors and industries". Greek authorities submitted a proposal to the ECHA asking it to classify ethanol as a CMR substance back in July 2020. This classification would suggest potential toxicity based on limited evidence from human or animal studies. The dossier submitted by the Greek authorities argues that ethanol causes developmental harm, in regard to prenatal alcohol exposure, and potential effects via breastmilk. Supporting data all derives from hazards caused by oral consumption. Industrial-grade ethanol, often referred to as denatured alcohol, serves as a key ingredient in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, disinfectants, pharmaceuticals and paints. Consumption of the grade increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many manufactures turned to ethanol to tackle disinfectant supply shortages. In contrast, fuel-grade ethanol, typically referred to as undenatured ethanol, must meet EN (European Standard) specifications and adhere to sustainability standards set by certification bodies like the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) before being blended into gasoline. According to ePURE data, 6.4bn l of ethanol was produced in Europe in 2023, with 5.5bn l or just under 86pc being for fuel, while only 7.6pc was for industrial use and 6.5pc for beverages. In an open letter sent to the European Commission on 8 November 2024, the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (AISE) requested for an "urgent intervention" on this potential reclassification. In the letter they said that this would impact both the general public and professional users, like in hospitals, where they said there is "no suitable alternative" to ethanol-based sanitisers. Some have suggested that ethanol producers impacted by the ban might turn to the fuel ethanol market. But, the increased supply this re-classification could bring to the fuel market, depends on whether producers have or could obtain ISCC or equivalent accreditation. By Toby Shay and Evelina Lungu Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EPA readies new biofuel blend mandate proposal


12/06/25
12/06/25

EPA readies new biofuel blend mandate proposal

New York, 12 June (Argus) — President Donald Trump's administration is close to releasing two regulations informing oil refiners how much biofuel they must blend into the conventional fuel supply. The two rules — proposed biofuel blend mandates for at least 2026 and most likely for 2027 as well as a separate final rule cutting cellulosic fuel mandates for last year — exited White House review on Wednesday, the last step before major regulations can be released. Previously scheduled meetings as part of the process appear to have been cancelled, another signal that the rules' release is imminent. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said it wants to get the frequently delayed Renewable Fuel Standard program back on its statutory timeline, which would require volumes for 2027 to be finalized before November this year. Any proposal will have to go through the typical public comment process and could be changed. A coalition of biofuel-producing groups and feedstock suppliers, including the American Petroleum Institute, has pushed EPA to set a biomass-based diesel mandate of 5.25bn USG for 2026, hoping that a record-high target will support biorefineries that have struggled this year. Many plants have idled or run less recently, as uncertainty about future blend mandates, the halting rollout of a new clean fuel tax credit, and tariffs that up feedstock costs all hurt margins. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin also told a House subcommittee last month the agency wanted "to get caught up as quickly as we can" on a backlog of small refiner requests for program exemptions. Courts took issue with EPA's exemption policy during Trump's first term and again during President Joe Biden's tenure, leaving officials now with dozens of waiver requests covering multiple compliance years still pending. It is unclear whether the rule will provide clarity on EPA's plans for program waivers — including whether the agency will up obligations on other parties to make up for exempt small refiners — but biofuel groups have worried that widespread exemptions would curb demand for their products. The price of Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits used for program compliance have been volatile this year on rumors about these exemptions, which EPA has called market manipulation. RIN trading picked up and prices rose on the news as Thursday's session began. Bids and offers for 2025 ethanol D6 RINs, the most prevalent type currently trading, began the day at 96¢/RIN and 98¢/RIN, respectively. Deals were struck shortly after at 98¢/RIN and 99¢/RIN, with seller interest at one point reaching 100¢/RIN — well above a 95.5¢/RIN settle on Wednesday. Biomass-based diesel D4 RINs with concurrent vintage followed the same path with sellers holding ground as high as 107¢/RIN. By Cole Martin and Matthew Cope Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Mexico’s ASA to play key role in SAF expansion


10/06/25
10/06/25

Mexico’s ASA to play key role in SAF expansion

Mexico City, 10 June (Argus) — State-owned Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA) will take a central role in developing Mexico's still nascent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market, with fuel availability becoming one of its top priorities, officials said today. ASA remains the country's main jet fuel supplier, serving 52 airports and covering over 90pc of the domestic market, infrastructure, communications and transportation minister Jesus Esteva said. Speaking at an event marking ASA's 60th anniversary, Esteva said the implementation of SAF is "one of the biggest challenges" the government faces in the aviation sector, and that ASA must lead efforts to expand supply. "ASA aims to boost the use of clean energy, leading the sustainable transition for Mexico's aviation sector through the development and ongoing implementation of SAF," said ASA director Carlos Merino. The initiative seeks to reduce aviation's carbon footprint while maintaining service quality and efficiency, he added. ASA announced last year the launch of a pilot project to blend imported SAF with conventional jet fuel, with a long-term goal of producing SAF entirely in Mexico by 2030. For now, imports — most likely from the US — remain necessary. Mexico is participating in the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Corsia scheme, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international flights. Corsia includes a voluntary phase from 2024-2026, followed by mandatory targets from 2027-2035. Under the scheme, airlines must either use SAF or offset emissions by purchasing carbon credits, with exemptions for underdeveloped countries and those with minimal global air traffic. Sustainability will become increasingly important as Mexico's aviation sector grows, said Miguel Vallin, head of the federal civil aviation agency AFAC. Passenger traffic is projected to rise from 124mn in 2025 to 151mn in 2030 — an average annual increase of 3.3pc. ASA operates 52 jet fuel storage terminals across Mexico, with annual sales of around 5.4bn l (93,000 b/d), Esteva said. The government holds a monopoly over Mexico's jet fuel market, with ASA and state-owned Pemex supplying most of the market, with indirect participation of other companies. Jet fuel was the last oil product market opened to more competition in Mexico after constitutional changes in 2014, but progress stalled under the administration of former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Under President Claudia Sheinbaum, the government has kept the jet fuel market under close state oversight. By Cas Biekmann Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Brazil inflation eases to 5.32pc in May


10/06/25
10/06/25

Brazil inflation eases to 5.32pc in May

Sao Paulo, 10 June (Argus) — Brazil's inflation slowed to an annual 5.32pc in May, snapping a three-month upswing since February, according to government statistics agency IBGE. The country's annualized inflation slowed from 5.53pc in April but was up from 4.56pc in January. Shelter costs, which include utilities, posted the largest gain in May, rising to an annual 4.53pc from 4pc in April. The acceleration took place thanks to a federal increase in power tariffs last month because of dry weather hampering hydroelectric power generation, which is Brazil's main power source. Transportation costs decelerated to 4.64pc in May from 5.49pc in April, in part driven by an annualized 13.16pc contraction in airplane tickets. Motor fuels also decelerated to 7.95pc in May from a 9.23pc gain in the month prior. Gasoline, ethanol, diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) prices all fell in May, following some readjustments by state-controlled Petrobras . Food and beverage costs slowed to an annual 7.33pc in May from 7.81pc in April. Soybean oil prices eased to 21.1pc from 22.83pc. Brazil's monthly inflation slowed to 0.26pc in May from 0.43pc in April. That is the third monthly decline and the lowest rate since January. The country's decelerating inflation is partially thanks to the central bank's course of tightening, hiking its target rate to 14.75pc in early May. That was the sixth increase in a row since September, aimed at cooling the economy and boosting the real currency following sharp depreciation last year. By Maria Frazatto Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Generic Hero Banner

Business intelligence reports

Get concise, trustworthy and unbiased analysis of the latest trends and developments in oil and energy markets. These reports are specially created for decision makers who don’t have time to track markets day-by-day, minute-by-minute.

Learn more