Road trains will now be permitted to carry heavier loads to regional Western Australia.
From tomorrow [17 March 2026], 27.5m and 36.5m road trains will be permitted to transport up to an additional 10 tonnes per load if they are carrying petrol, diesel and/or fertiliser to certain priority regions.
The decision was made by the WA Government’s Fuel Industry Operations Group, which was formed in response to concerns raised about fuel security amid conflict in the Middle East.
Under the plan, road trains will be able to bring more petrol, diesel and fertiliser to key regions such as the Goldfields, the South West, Great Southern and the Wheatbelt.
“In times of global uncertainty, it’s more important than ever for government to work with industry and the community on practical solutions,” said WA Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti.
“This is a significant decision, which will enable the delivery of more petrol, diesel, and fertiliser to regional Western Australians.
“Working with industry, we will prioritise key regional areas to support the community and keep our economy strong through any global shocks.”
To help with distribution, industry will work with the government and fuel companies to triage priority areas for more stock.
Industry will provide the location of these depots to Main Roads who will adjust existing permits on a case-by-case basis to allow for the new temporary conditions.
These new permit conditions will be rolled out progressively as required travel routes are identified.
The adjustment to road train loads and introduction of a triaging process will support the Federal Government’s decision earlier this week to relax minimum stock obligations for fuel companies which prioritise sending fuel to regional customers – ensuring regional Western Australians can more quickly access petrol and diesel.
“By helping bring critical fuel supplies to regional WA, our government is already making considerable progress on its seven-point plan to address fuel security concerns,” said WA Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation, Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“WA has shown before that it can confront global challenges, and through the Fuel Industry Operations Group, we will continue to keep our State safe and strong.”
In other news, Fonterra CEO, Miles Hurrell, has announced his resignation.
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