The Fair Work Commission’s Road Transport Contractual Chain Order – Fuel Cost Recovery 2026, effective from 21 April 2026, introduces legally enforceable rules requiring parties across road transport contractual chains to adjust and pass on rate increases so transport contractors and employee‑like workers are fully compensated for rising fuel costs.

The order applies broadly across the road transport industry (excluding cash‑in‑transit), places obligations on primary and secondary parties to review rates fortnightly or twice monthly, and allows existing “rise and fall” fuel clauses or similar arrangements to meet the requirements. It overrides other minimum standards while in force, remains active until national diesel prices fall below $2 per litre, and includes dispute resolution through the Commission and penalties for non‑compliance, with the order subject to regular review.