Big jump in jet fuel stocks as major delivery arrives in New Zealand

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Jet fuel stocks have jumped by more than a week’s worth of supply following the arrival of a major shipment.

New Zealand's jet fuel reserves increased by 7.4 days, bringing the total national supply to 55 days’ cover.

The sharp rise follows the recent arrival of a large, routine fuel shipment that has embarked and entered national inventory tracking.

In contrast to jet fuel, petrol reserves decreased by 2.2 days (to 54 days) and diesel decreased by 0.3 of a day (to 46 days).

Jet fuel stocks have jumped by more than a week’s worth of supply following the arrival of a major shipment, data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment shows.

The country’s jet fuel supply rose by 7.4 days to reach a total of 55 days’ cover, according to the figures.

In contrast to jet fuel, petrol reserves decreased by 2.2 days (to 54 days) and diesel decreased by 0.3 of a day (to 46 days).

The increase stands in contrast to New Zealand's other primary transport fuels, with petrol stocks dropping by 2.2 days to a 54-day supply and diesel declining slightly by 0.3 of a day to 46 days.

Ministry officials described the shifts as routine and consistent with typical shipping patterns, noting that such fluctuations were expected regardless of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Out of the 55 total days of jet fuel coverage, 29.5 days of stock are physically in the country.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirms NZ has sufficient petrol, diesel, and jet fuel stocks, though the risk remains elevated due to international instability. Government remains at phase 1 of the National Fuel Response Plan.

Another 13 days of supply are currently on the water within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) - representing cargo up to two days away - while the remaining 12.5 days of stock are at sea outside the EEZ, up to three weeks from port.

Across all fuel types, 13 ships are currently carrying stock destined for New Zealand, including five within the EEZ and eight outside it.

Despite the recent global disruptions, energy officials confirmed the fuel supply chain continues to operate smoothly.

Fuel importers have secured confirmed orders through to late June, with further planned orders stretching into early August.

Total fuel stocks remain well above the government's minimum mandatory requirements.

Current fuel levels are broadly in line with normal trends recorded prior to recent international disruptions, and fuel companies report no concerns regarding future incoming shipments.