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Had an issue with Shell? Get a real response.
To complain to Shell, submit the Shell Australia online contact form, call Viva Energy Customer Care on 13 16 18, email tellvivaenergy@vivaenergy.com.au, or speak to the station manager. This guide explains acknowledgement within 1–2 business days, investigation steps including fuel testing, typical resolutions, and escalation to Fair Trading if unresolved.
How to submit a complaint with Shell
Shell service stations in Australia are operated by Viva Energy, which manages customer complaints for Shell-branded sites.
You can lodge a complaint about Shell in Australia by:
- Submitting the Shell Australia online contact form
The primary method is the official Shell Australia contact form, which routes complaints directly to Viva Energy’s customer care team. This form allows you to report issues relating to Shell fuel, service station experiences, pricing, staff conduct, or products. - Calling Viva Energy Customer Care (Shell stations)
You can lodge a complaint by phone on 13 16 18 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am–8:00pm AEST). Let the representative know your complaint relates to a Shell service station and provide details such as the station location, date and time, and nature of the issue. - Emailing Viva Energy customer feedback
Complaints can also be submitted in writing by emailing tellvivaenergy@vivaenergy.com.au. Include your contact details, the Shell station address, transaction information, and a clear description of the problem. - Raising the issue in store
If the issue occurs at the time of your visit, you can speak directly with the station manager or senior staff member. Some issues, such as incorrect charges or failed car washes, may be resolved immediately. If not, you should still submit the complaint through Shell’s official channels for follow-up.
For Shell Card, fuel quality, or lubricants-specific issues, the same contact channels apply unless a specialist contact is listed on your statement or receipt.
Once your complaint is received, Viva Energy follows a structured process to investigate and resolve it.
What typically happens next:
- Your complaint is acknowledged, either immediately during a phone call or within one to two business days for online or email submissions.
- The complaint is logged and assigned to Viva Energy’s customer care team.
- Station-specific complaints are referred to the relevant site operator or manager for investigation.
- Fuel quality complaints may involve fuel testing and coordination with claims specialists.
- You may be contacted for additional information, such as receipts, photos, or mechanic reports.
Many complaints are resolved within a few business days. More complex matters, such as fuel contamination claims or vehicle damage investigations, may take longer while assessments are completed. Once a decision is made, Shell (via Viva Energy) will explain the outcome and any resolution offered.
Common complaints against Shell
Shell customers most commonly raise complaints about:
- Pricing discrepancies between street signage and pump prices.
- Overcharging or incorrect transactions.
- Rude or unhelpful service at Shell stations.
- Fuel quality concerns, including suspected contamination.
- Payment or card issues, including duplicate charges.
- Loyalty or promotion issues, such as missing rewards or discounts.
- Poor station facilities, including faulty car washes or unclean amenities.
Shell complaints submitted through Ajust
How other consumers Shell complaints got resolved
A customer reported being charged a higher diesel price than advertised on roadside signage, and after investigation, Shell refunded the price difference and required the station to correct its signage.
Another customer experienced engine damage after filling up with contaminated fuel, and once fuel testing confirmed the issue, Shell covered the full repair and towing costs.
A commuter complained about repeated rude service at a Shell station, and after escalation, Shell addressed the matter with the station operator and provided the customer with a formal apology and fuel credit.
If you are not satisfied with the initial outcome of your complaint, you can escalate it internally.
Escalation options include:
- Requesting a supervisor or senior manager review through Viva Energy customer care.
- Asking for an internal review of the complaint and proposed resolution.
- Following up in writing and referencing your complaint or case number.
If internal escalation does not resolve the issue, external consumer protection options are available.
Shell fuel retail complaints are not covered by a dedicated industry ombudsman. If your complaint remains unresolved, you can seek assistance from general consumer protection agencies.
State consumer affairs or fair trading bodies can provide advice or mediate disputes relating to consumer rights. Serious fuel quality concerns can also be reported to relevant government regulators responsible for fuel standards.
- Shell Australia – Service Station Enquiries & Complaints
https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/help-and-support.html - Viva Energy Customer Care (Shell Stations)
https://www.vivaenergy.com.au/contact
Phone: 13 16 18 - Viva Energy Customer Feedback Email
mailto:tellvivaenergy@vivaenergy.com.au - Shell Fuel Quality Claims Process (Viva Energy)
https://www.vivaenergy.com.au/customer-support/fuel-quality-claims - ACCC – Consumer Rights and Complaints
https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers - Consumer Affairs Victoria
https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/complaints
Shell Complaints FAQs
How do I submit a complaint to Shell in Australia?
To submit a complaint to Shell in Australia, contact Viva Energy via the Shell Australia online form, phone (13 16 18), email, or in store. The online contact form is usually fastest because it routes issues directly to Viva Energy’s customer care team. Include the Shell station location, date and time, transaction details, and a clear explanation so your complaint can be reviewed quickly and accurately.
What information should I include in a Shell service station complaint?
A strong Shell service station complaint should include the station address, visit date and time, receipt or transaction details, and a clear description of the issue. Providing photos, fuel receipts, or mechanic reports (for fuel quality claims) can speed up investigation. Clear details help Viva Energy’s customer care team assess your complaint faster and reduce back-and-forth.
What happens after I lodge a complaint with Shell or Viva Energy?
After you lodge a complaint with Shell, Viva Energy acknowledges it quickly and assigns it to customer care for review and investigation. Station-related complaints are sent to the site operator, while fuel quality issues may involve testing and specialist assessment. Most complaints are resolved within a few business days, though complex claims like contamination or vehicle damage can take longer.
How do I escalate a Shell complaint if I’m not satisfied?
If you’re not satisfied with Shell’s response, you can escalate your complaint through Viva Energy by requesting a supervisor or internal review. Referencing your case number and following up in writing can help move things forward. If unresolved, you can contact state consumer affairs or fair trading bodies, or report serious fuel quality concerns to relevant regulators.
You’ve done your part, now it’s time to hold Shell accountable.
Take the final step and submit a complaint that gets seen and responded to.