World · East Asia & Pacific · 9 hrs ago
WA watchdog takes Burk Fuel to court over petrol octane claims
Western Australia’s consumer watchdog has taken petrol chain Burk Fuel to court over claims about the fuel sold at its stations.
The agency says independent tests of samples taken between July 2025 and February 2026 found all tested fuel was unleaded 91, although some was promoted as 95 or 98.
Burk Fuel operates 14 outlets in Perth and regional Western Australia, and denies the allegations and says it will defend the case.
Unleaded 91 is cheaper than higher-octane petrol, while some high-performance cars need or are recommended to use 95 or 98.
The watchdog says customers may have paid more than the fuel was worth or used fuel unsuitable for their cars, and will seek significant financial penalties if the claims are proven.
The case will now be decided in court, while Burk Fuel says its operations continue as normal.
Western Australia’s Consumer Protection Commissioner is taking Burk Fuel to court over allegations that it sold unleaded 91 as higher-octane 95 and 98 petrol.
The agency says independent tests of samples taken from several Burk Fuel stations between July 2025 and February 2026 found they were all unleaded 91.
Burk Fuel operates 14 outlets across Perth and regional Western Australia.
The company has denied the allegations and says it intends to defend the court proceedings.
The agency says it will seek significant financial penalties if the allegations are proven.
- Who
- Western Australia’s Consumer Protection Commissioner is taking Burk Fuel to court.
- What
- The agency alleges the company misrepresented unleaded 91 as higher-octane 95 and 98 petrol. Burk Fuel says it intends to defend the proceedings.
- When
- The court action was reported on November 9, 2026. Samples were taken between July 2025 and February 2026.
- Where
- Burk Fuel service stations in Perth and regional Western Australia.
- Why
- The agency alleges the fuel’s octane rating was misrepresented, breaching Australian Consumer Law.
WA Consumer Protection Agency
Burk Fuel
Fuel octane claims
WA Consumer Protection Agency
The agency says samples from Burk Fuel stations tested as unleaded 91 despite being promoted as higher-octane fuel.
Burk Fuel
Burk Fuel has denied the allegations, saying it uses a reputable supplier and regularly tests its fuel.
Court proceedings
WA Consumer Protection Agency
The agency has begun a civil claim and says it will seek significant financial penalties if the allegations are proven.
Burk Fuel
Burk Fuel says it intends to defend the proceedings.
The agency says independent tests of samples taken from several Burk Fuel stations found they were all unleaded 91.
Authorities announced an investigation into the allegations, which Burk Fuel denied.
The Consumer Protection Agency’s civil claim against Burk Fuel was reported.
- Outlets
- 14 across Perth and regional Western Australia
- Test result
- All samples tested came back as unleaded 91, according to the agency
- Sampling period
- July 2025 to February 2026
- Court
- Supreme Court of Western Australia
- Alleged fuels
- Unleaded 91 allegedly promoted as 95 and 98 petrol
What people are saying
All of the samples came back as 91 fuel
massive breach of trust for the consumers
Burk's operations continue to operate as normal. Burk will not be commenting further while the matter is before the court.