The petrol industry has warned of possible fuel price hikes after some servos were shut down during raids across the country.

Officers descended on more than 100 petrol stations in a co-ordinated operation targeting illicit tobacco products on Tuesday.

Nine service stations owned by Metro Petroleum were issued with closure notices.

Some 300 personnel were deployed to every state and territory except Tasmania and the Northern Territory, said Border Force.

Operation Shorthand involved 15 federal and state agencies, including NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

Police were seeking out alleged illegal tobacco. Photo: Australian Border Force

ABF Assistant Commissioner Customs Compliance and Enforcement Tony Smith said the raids were targeting the growing illegal tobacco trade.

“Criminal actors are continuing to adapt their business models and diversify their activities by moving away from traditional tobacconists and in to selling their products out of convenience stores, milk bars and even service stations,” he said.

“This diversification demonstrates an enforcement pressure from border agencies and our partners across the country and internationally is forcing criminal enablers to adapt their tactics to evade detection and enforcement.”

News Corp reported that the nation’s largest independent petrol station chain, Metro Petroleum, had several stores forcibly shut down.

The impact of servo closures raised questions about a flow-on effect to customers at the bowser.

A statement from Metro Petroleum said: “Metro Petroleum has a zero-tolerance approach to the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products.

“We are deeply disappointed to have been informed that nine stores have been issued with closure orders.”

Metro said it had taken “immediate steps” to terminate its arrangements with those ­operators.

“Metro Petroleum is a petroleum brand and fuel supplier. We do not operate, staff or manage the retail businesses.

“Those businesses are run by independent operators, who are responsible for complying with all laws relating to what is sold.”

Metro Petroleum, owned by the Dib family, operates more than 300 sites nationwide and is a major sponsor of the Sydney Roosters.