Our Story
Built on Experience.
Backed by Community.
South East Petroleum is a locally owned fuel and lubricant distribution business based in Esperance, Western Australia. Established in 1985, our business is founded on generations of experience in the fuel industry, strong regional knowledge, and long-standing relationships across the South East.South East Petroleum is a locally owned fuel and lubricant distribution business based in Esperance, Western Australia.
The Nulsen family’s involvement in fuel supply dates back to the 1930s, beginning in Salmon Gums. In 1985, Richard and Jan Nulsen formally established South East Petroleum, creating a business focused on reliable supply, practical service, and genuine local connection.
At its beginnings, South East Petroleum operated with a small team of five people and three delivery vehicles. As agriculture, mining and tourism expanded throughout the region in the late 1980s and beyond, so too did the business, growing its fleet, its team, and its service reach to meet the changing needs of customers.
A Business That Has Grown With the Region
Today, South East Petroleum operates from its depot in Esperance and services customers across agriculture, mining, transport, pastoral, tourism and government sectors. Our delivery fleet includes semi-trailers, road trains, C-trains and Triples, allowing us to reliably supply both regional and remote areas throughout the South East and along the Eyre Highway corridor.
We distribute a wide range of BP and Castrol fuel and lubricant products to customers in Esperance, Scaddan, Grass Patch, Salmon Gums, Condingup, Cascade, Gibson, Munglinup, Ravensthorpe, Hopetoun, Lake Varley, Norseman and beyond. An important part of our business also supports mining and pastoral operations around Norseman, as well as BP Roadhouses stretching from Norseman to Cocklebiddy.
Our customers range from primary producers and transport operators to mining companies, manufacturers, power generation, earthmoving contractors, commercial and recreational fishermen, tourism operators, retail and wholesale businesses, and local and state government.
Family-Owned and Locally Led
South East Petroleum is proudly owned and operated by Grant and Michelle Harris, who have direct family connections to founders Richard and Jan Nulsen. This continuity of ownership reflects our long-term commitment to the region and to doing business the right way.
Our team is one of our greatest strengths. We are proud to have several long-standing employees who bring deep experience and local knowledge to their roles. Team members such as Bindi Seivwright (over 40 years), Mick Creedon (25 years), and others who have spent decades with South East Petroleum are a testament to the culture, stability and values of the business.
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To deliver the best customer experience.
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To provide the highest level of service and customer experience, delivered reliably and in a price-competitive manner.
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Reputation
Reputation and integrity are our most valuable assets. We are genuine, honest and competent in our dealings with customers and the wider community.
Service
We provide friendly, accurate and reliable service that reflects the needs of our customers, consistently aiming to go above and beyond expectations.
Continuous Improvement
We regularly review our performance and ensure our team is trained, skilled and supported to meet the demands of our industry.
Price Competitiveness
We understand our market and maintain efficient operations to offer competitive purchasing options without compromising service.
Duty of Care
We are committed to safe systems of work, high standards of training, responsible stock management, and maintaining a professional workplace.
Supporting Our Community
As a long-standing local business, supporting the community is an important part of who we are. South East Petroleum contributes to a wide range of sporting clubs, community groups and regional organisations across the South East, helping support the people and communities that support us.
Working With South East Petroleum
Whether you are a long-term customer or new to the region, our focus remains the same — reliable supply, straightforward service, competitive pricing, and relationships built on trust.