FEAR & GREED | Business News ACCC investigates petrol stations; unemployment jumps; airfares set to rise
Mar 19, 2026
Investigation into petrol companies and a national fuel taskforce amid Middle East supply worries. Oil and gas price moves shake markets and energy stocks. Job numbers jump while the unemployment rate rises. International airfares poised to climb as jet fuel costs surge. A new rich list shows shifting fortunes among top Australians.
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Fuel Supply Treated As National Crisis
- Australia treats current fuel disruptions as a national crisis, with a National Cabinet fuel task force and rationing contingencies being discussed.
- The ACCC opened a public probe into major suppliers Ampol, BP, Mobil and Viva Energy over diesel availability to regional wholesalers.
ACCC Uses Big Stick Publicly
- The ACCC publicly announced an investigation into petrol companies, which is unusual and signals regulatory pressure.
- Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said reports showed diesel availability concerns for regional and rural distributors.
War Moves Markets Towards Energy Stocks
- Middle East attacks pushed oil and gas prices up, benefiting energy and coal stocks while hurting rate-sensitive sectors like tech and property.
- Energy names Santos, Woodside, Ampol and Viva Energy were among the day's winners.