Iran war: Panic at the petrol station - Auckland Gull runs dry but not due to Middle East
Friday, 13 March 2026
Motorists saw other motorists lined up outside a North Shore Gull station this morning and assumed the worst about petrol rationing, leading to a chain reaction that completely depleted the site of petrol.
But it was nothing to do with any kind of conserving of supplies because of the war with Iran. It was a promotion that promised 14c-16c off each litre from yesterday - a popular promotion that locals have come to look out for every Thursday.
But it goes to show how on edge people are about potential upcoming rationing and/or shortages.
An “urgent” message was displayed on the Takapuna, Milford and Nearby NZ Facebook page this morning, saying “GULL on Taharoto Road has no fuel! If you have paid just hang up the nozzle and you will be refunded”.
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The station is unmanned.
Another comment in the response linked this morning’s run on petrol to the promotion.
It said the promotion “backfired because people saw people queuing and assumed there was an issue, but people were trying to take advantage of the discount which then started a panic - I think at this time stations need to think about their strategies and the knock on affect it has when people feel nervous about things!”
Gull confirmed a promotion did take place, and 97% of its sites were able to meet the extra demand.
“Sites that sold through yesterday, have, or are currently being refuelled for Gull’s customers by our logistics’ providers,” said a spokesperson.
A spokesperson for Finance Minister Nicola Willis said officials had spoken to Gull about reports of some of its stations running out of fuel.
“Gull has advised that the shortages were a result of strong demand in response to the discounts it offered and that it is working to replenish stocks in regions with high demand,” the spokesperson said.
“Gull confirmed it does not have any issues with incoming supply.“
A fuel industry source who did not want to be named said there were anecdotal reports of queues at certain sites in the past few days, but this was mainly responding to media speculation about things like carless days and curfews.
Back on the Facebook page, anecdotes continued, including one that suggested someone had been told on a Mobil forecourt that the company was seeking to limit how much people would take soon.
The Post contacted Mobil about it. The company’s spokesperson reply was brief; “no rationing is in place at Mobil sites”. Asked whether rationing was being discussed or considered, the reply was even briefer; “no”.
However, it has been revealed the Government is working in concert with fuel players to define measures that could be introduced if the fuel stock situation deteriorates.
The Post reported this morning that officials were working out what New Zealand would look like under fuel rationing for the first time in decades, after the war with Iran constricted global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
A 1981 law being dusted off by officials included measures that would allow the Government to ban people from filling jerry cans and other containers — a measure designed to stop hoarding — and set maximum limits on how much fuel any individual could buy on a single visit.
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) represents more than 4000 automotive businesses, including repair shops, service stations, and vehicle dealerships. Spokesperson Simon Bradwell said the organisation was monitoring developments around fuel supply and pricing closely and understood motorists’ concerns and alarm about the situation.
While the vast majority of drivers understood changes in the price at the pump were being driven by events overseas and out of the control of the local retailer, others still remembered shortages - or talk of shortages.
“The situation is stressful for service station business owners and their workers, and we thank drivers for not taking out their frustration by abusing service station staff who are doing their best in a difficult situation, or by stealing fuel.”
There could be more positive behavioural change out of any possible shortage, he said.
“We’ve seen in the past that, motorists tend to adjust their driving habits, such as going for less leisure driving and reducing driving to essential travel such as for work or taking the kids to school.
“Upticks in the use of public transport or other means of transport are likely too, as well as interest in purchasing other cheaper modes of transport such as mopeds and electric scooters. We have had reports of increases in EV sales directly as a result of the conflict.”