In a significant development, Australia's competition watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has announced an investigation into major fuel suppliers, including Ampol, BP, Mobil, and Viva Energy. This decision follows allegations of anti-competitive conduct related to diesel availability, particularly affecting independent wholesalers and distributors serving regional and rural areas of the country. The inquiry is said to be urgent, reflecting the rising concerns over fuel shortages exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran. The ACCC Chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, formally stated that the commission is closely scrutinizing the fuel markets during this period of heightened demand. Reports of alleged... [Continue Reading]