New Zealand’s fuel stocks ‘well above’ minimum as shipment of reserve diesel on its way
Monday, 1 June 2026
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says the country's fuel supply chain continues to operate smoothly, with baseline stocks remaining above minimum requirements.
As of May 27, New Zealand has 58.1 days of petrol, 44.2 days of diesel, and 57.8 days of jet fuel.
The Government has announced the first of two shipments of New Zealand’s diesel reserve is now on its way to New Zealand.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has released its latest update on New Zealand’s fuel stock, saying the supply chain continues to “operate smoothly”.
As of May 27, New Zealand has 58.1 days of petrol, 44.2 days of diesel, and 57.8 days of jet fuel.
MBIE said fuel is flowing into the country as expected and fuel importers have provided “good confidence” through confirmed orders to July, with planned orders extending into August.
Since the last update, petrol stocks have decreased by 2.9 days, diesel stocks by 1.7 days, and jet fuel stocks by 7.5 days.
The ministry said that, despite this, overall fuel stocks remain “well above” minimum requirements, and the movements are 'routine and consistent” with typical shipping patterns, even with the conflict in the Middle East.
Fuel companies reported there were 13 fuel ships on the water as at 11:59 pm Wednesday, May 27, either within New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to two days away, or outside the EEZ up to three weeks away.
Meanwhile, the Government has announced that the first of two shipments of New Zealand’s diesel reserve is now on its way.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones said the fuel was loaded on May 31 and is now en route to Marsden Point in Northland, where it is expected to arrive mid-June. The second shipment is expected to arrive in early July.
Channel Infrastructure is continuing work to refurbish two former crude oil tanks at Marsden Point to create around 93 million litres of diesel storage capacity. The tanks will be ready to receive the fuel upon the first shipment's arrival.
Together, the two shipments represent around nine days’ of typical diesel consumption for New Zealand.
The additional supply will not count towards the fuel companies’ minimum stockholding obligations, and will be controlled by the Government.
Willis says the reserve will strengthen New Zealand's fuel security and resilience.
“Diesel is critical to keeping New Zealand moving. It powers freight, agriculture, construction and many of the services New Zealanders rely on every day.
'Having additional diesel available in New Zealand provides greater resilience and gives New Zealanders confidence that we are better prepared for potential supply disruptions,” she said.
The Government and Z Energy agreed that the company will own and manage the reserve stocks. How and when the reserve is used will be decided by ministers.
The refurbishment of the tanks at Marsden Point is being paid for by up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.