The Fair Work Commission has ordered major Australian retailers, manufacturers, and miners to conduct fortnightly fuel price reviews and adjust contracts to recover increased diesel costs for truckers, effective immediately from Tuesday.

Some participants argued procedural fairness concerns, but the commission rejected these claims.

This is the first measure under new laws aimed at helping transport operators manage fuel shocks, and it remains in place until diesel prices fall below two dollars per litre, with a one-month review followed by quarterly assessments.

Experts say the policy responds to broader concerns about fuel shocks on drivers, small businesses, and the trucking sector amid ongoing supply chain pressures.

Truckers and industry groups welcome the order as a lifeline, providing certainty that elevated fuel costs can be recovered from customers.

The published order does not explicitly exclude rideshare/delivery workers, though inclusion was debated by stakeholders.

Diesel prices, hovering above a dollar and a half to three dollars per litre, are a driving factor behind the policy.

Unions warn that many operators may be near collapse due to fuel costs, with some forced to refuel using personal loans or credit.

Industry debate includes actions like Uber's 5% surcharge to counter rising fuel costs, illustrating broader pass-through concerns.

Industry leaders describe the move as historic and note its potential to help operators cope with extraordinary fuel costs and keep logistics chains moving.

The decision is designed to sustain the viability and competitiveness of road transport businesses, including owner-drivers and related parties.

The order requires transport rates to reflect rising fuel costs across the supply chain, impacting owners, operators, and road transport providers.