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.

The raids across every state and territory except Tasmania and the Northern Territory came as pressure mounts on the Albanese government to slash the tax on tobacco to kill off the burgeoning black market.

The tobacco excise adds $30 to a standard 20-pack of cigarettes, creating drastically more expensive cigarettes in comparison to their illicit alternatives.

An estimated 80 per cent of all tobacco consumed in 2025 was illicit, up from 12 per cent in 2017, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Australian Border Force said the raids, dubbed Operation Shorthand, involved 300 officers. They also involved 15 federal and state agencies, including NSW Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

Nine service stations owned by Metro Petroleum were issued with closure notices following Tuesday’s developments.

Police were seeking supplies of alleged illegal tobacco. Photo: ABF

ABF Assistant Commissioner Customs Compliance and Enforcement Tony Smith said the raids targeted 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.”

Assistant Minister for Customs Julian Hill said the servos had been targeted through shared intelligence and partner agency referrals.

“My message to anyone involved in the illegal tobacco trade is clear: we’re coming after you,” he said in Canberra on Tuesday.

“Australians wouldn’t put up with a meth lab in the middle of their local strip shopping centre, and neither should they put up with crooks trying to sell tobacco and nicotine products to their kids, whether it’s from a shop, a servo, a pub, or a barber.

“We’re not backing off, and this is a serious major national operation that’s still unfolding.”

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

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

“Metro Petroleum has a zero-tolerance approach to the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products,” the company said.

“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,” it said.

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

Metro Petroleum, owned by Sydney’s wealthy Dib family, has more than 300 sites nationwide and is a major sponsor of rugby league club the Sydney Roosters.

The operation remains active, with further updates expected.

-with AAP