BP (BP) and Exxon Mobil's (XOM) Australian units are among the fuel suppliers facing a preliminary enforcement probe into allegations of anticompetitive conduct, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said Thursday.

BP Australia, Mobil Oil Australia, Ampol, and Viva Energy Australia are subject to the probe, accoridng to the ACCC.

There are reports regarding diesel availability to independent wholesalers and distributors servicing regional and rural Australia, the competition regulator said, adding that the investigation will evaluate the alleged conduct.

"It is not our usual practice to publicly announce investigations, but given the significance of the issue, the ACCC is confirming this enforcement investigation," the regulator said. "We recognize the widespread concerns held by consumers, businesses and farmers about fuel pricing and supply issues arising during the Middle Eastern conflict."

BP and Exxon Mobil didn't immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.