Mobil Oil Australia has been ordered to pay a $16 million penalty by the Federal Court, after being found to have made false and misleading claims at nine petrol stations.
The fuel company admitted to misleading consumers through branding and signage over varying periods between August 2020 and July 2024. The illicit marketing misled consumers into believing ‘Mobil Synergy Fuel’ contained certain additives when it did not.
Competition watchdog the ACCC found that, out of nine stations, none supplied the advertised ‘Mobil Synergy Fuel’, instead marketing the ‘same’ or ‘substantially the same’ fuel, under the guise of a better quality product.
The branding and signage claimed Mobil Synergy's non-existent fuel; “[Mobil Synergy Fuels] contain additives designed to improve engine performance by helping vehicle engines run more smoothly.”
“The Mobil Synergy Fuel and Synergy technology signage at the affected sites was a total falsehood, as this petrol wasn’t supplied to these sites,” ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said.
The court has proposed orders to Mobil, including ordering Mobil to issue corrective notices, implement a consumer law compliance program, and contribute to the ACCC’s costs.
Following the court investigation, Mobil has cooperated with the ACCC, admitting liability and agreeing to penalties and joint orders from the Court and the ACCC.
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