Iran war: NZ petrol, diesel stocks dip slightly but don’t worry, say ministers
Wednesday, 18 March 2026
There is slightly less petrol and diesel and slightly more jet fuel in the country and on its way in the latest fuel stocktake, but ministers say it’s a normal fluctuation and there are no supply disruptions.
Currently, New Zealand’s fuel stocks are assessed as 51.3 days worth of petrol between what is held on land and what is in transit to New Zealand; 47.1 days worth of diesel, and 49 days of jet fuel.
Last Wednesday, there were 57.9 days of petrol, 49.9 days of diesel and 46.8 days of jet fuel.
These are still healthy levels of petrol, diesel and jet fuel, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones said.
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“It’s important to remember that fuel supply is inherently dynamic. Stock levels fluctuate week to week as fuel is consumed and new shipments arrive,” Willis said.
“Levels are down slightly from last week, but the changes reflect normal patterns of consumption and shipping. They are not a sign of supply disruption.
“More than a week’s worth of fuel is scheduled to arrive over the coming days, with additional shipments already on the water and due later this month,” she added.
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Jones, who has responsibility for fuel security, said his expectation was that fuel companies were responsive and continuing to work constructively with Government as the situation evolves.
“All indications are, so far, that New Zealand is well-placed to deal with the fallout from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. We are working closely with other countries and our suppliers to ensure this continues.
“I want to be clear that at this stage, there is no need for fuel restrictions. Introducing rationing or restriction measures before there is clear evidence of a genuine shortage won’t create more fuel in the system.”
Amendments in 2023 to the Fuel Industry Act 2020 requires certain of this country’s fuel industry participants to keep a minimum amount of petrol, diesel and jet fuel available if there is a major disruption to our fuel supply
Under these rules, fuel importers must hold 28 days’ cover of petrol, 21 days’ cover of diesel and 24 days’ cover of jet fuel.