6Directions in relation to petroleum products

6 Directions in relation to petroleum products

(1)  If, during a period of emergency restriction, it is, in the opinion of the Minister, in the public interest to do so, the Minister may give directions in relation to the production, supply, storage, distribution, transportation, sale, purchase, use or consumption of the petroleum products in respect of which the period of emergency restriction is in force.

(1A)  [Section 6 Subsection (1A) inserted by No. 1 of 2026, s. 20, Applied:02 Apr 2026] For the avoidance of doubt, a direction under subsection (1) may include a direction that specifies the maximum price that petroleum products, or a type of petroleum product, may be sold –

(a) as specified in the direction; and

(b) for the period specified in the direction.

(2)  A direction under this section may be given –

(a) to a particular person; or

(b) to persons of a particular class; or

(c) to members of the public generally.

(3)  A direction under this section is to be given –

(a) by instrument in writing served on the person to whom the direction is addressed; or

(b) by publication of the direction in the Gazette and in each daily newspaper published in the State.

(4)  Where a direction is published as provided in subsection (3) (b) , the direction is deemed to have been sufficiently brought to the notice of all persons concerned with or affected by the direction.

(5)  A person to whom a direction is given under this section must not contravene or fail to comply with the direction.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units in the case of a natural person; fine not exceeding 1 000 penalty units in the case of any other person.

(6)  Where a person is convicted of an offence against subsection (5) , the court may –