ACCC flags competition concerns over Ampol’s bid for EG Australia
Ampol is looking to acquire EG Australia's 500 service stations but first needs regulatory approval.
Australia’s competition regulator has raised significant concerns over Ampol’s planned acquisition of EG Australia, warning the deal could weaken competition in fuel retail across multiple markets.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said its initial review identified potential competition issues at 115 EG fuel sites nationwide, prompting the watchdog to escalate the proposal to a Phase 2 investigation rather than granting Phase 1 approval.
Dr Philip Williams, an ACCC Commissioner, said the deal would bring together “two major fuel retailers” with operations spanning every Australian state and territory. According to the regulator, the merger risks reducing competitive pressure not only at local sites but also across broader metropolitan areas including Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
Ampol has proposed divesting 19 retail sites to address the concerns, but the ACCC said this would not sufficiently mitigate either the local or city‑wide competition issues identified.
In a statement acknowledging the ACCC’s announcement, Ampol said the outcome aligns with expectations under Australia’s updated merger control regime. The company reiterated its confidence in the transaction and said it will continue to work “constructively” with the regulator through the next phase of assessment.
