Australia extends relaxed fuel standards to bolster supply

SYDNEY, April 18 (Reuters) - ‌Australia extended ​an ​easing on fuel-quality standards until September, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Saturday, ‌as the nation grapples with the impact of ⁠the Iran war on its fuel supply.

"I've decided to ‌extend the period of ‌higher sulphur for petrol in Australia," Bowen said in televised remarks.

The relaxation, announced in March, ​increases the amount of sulphur permitted in fuel to 50 parts per million from the ⁠usual 10 parts.

Australia, which imports most of its fuel, has experienced ​localised shortages as the war, which entered its eighth week on Saturday, has disrupted ​supply chains.

Production of diesel, jet ‌fuel and petrol at a fire-hit oil refinery owned by Viva Energy (VEA.AX) ⁠in Victoria, Australia's second-most-populous state, remained unchanged from Friday, Bowen said.

"The Geelong refinery is working at 80% capacity ⁠for diesel and jet fuel and 60% capacity for ​petrol - that is still the case," he said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday the fire would not ‌trigger any fuel restrictions.

Also this week Albanese secured a deal with Malaysian state ‌energy firm Petronas to supply excess fuel to ⁠Australia after trips ‌to Singapore and ​Brunei aimed at strengthening energy supplies.

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by William ‌Mallard)

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