Iran war: NZ petrol stocks dip below 50 days, one tanker due the next week: MBIE
Monday, 23 March 2026
There is notably less fuel in reserve for New Zealand in today’s fuel stocks update, and only one fuel ship set to come to this country in the week from Wednesday.
On hand, according to stats posted to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)’s website this afternoon, which looks at the period since the last report of last Wednesday, is 49.9 days’ cover of petrol, 45.5 days’ cover of diesel and 44.7 days’ cover of jet fuel.
On Wednesday there were 51.3 days worth of petrol, 47.1 days’ worth of diesel, and 49 days’ of jet fuel.
The Wednesday prior to that, there were 57.9 days of petrol, 49.9 days of diesel and 46.8 days of jet fuel.
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New Zealand’s global obligations are that we must carry 28 days’ cover of petrol, 21 days’ cover of diesel and 24 days’ cover of jet fuel.
There are seven ships due in the period until March 25, which is on Wednesday, but only one ship coming in the week after that. The data does not include shipments more than two weeks away, including cargoes already loaded, currently loading or planned.
In response to a question from The Post on shipments, MBIE said it was important to remember that fuel supply is inherently dynamic, with stock levels fluctuating week‑to‑week as fuel is consumed and new shipments arrive.
“The data released today shows minor changes in stock levels and reflect normal patterns of consumption and shipping, not signs of supply disruption,” a spokeswoman said.
“There are a number of ships carrying fuel docking in New Zealand this week. Fuel importers manage their imports in line with demand and minimum stockholding obligations and there have been no reports of issues with future shipments.”
The official line remains that fuel supply is currently stable, and our stocks remain healthy.
“There is no need to change how you purchase fuel. Sticking to your usual habits helps keep the system running smoothly for everyone,” MBIE’s site says.
“New Zealand has clear, proven arrangements for managing disruptions. We are not yet experiencing the types of sustained supply disruption that would justify emergency measures under the National Fuel Plan.”
The advice also says Introducing fuel rationing or restrictions before there is clear evidence of a genuine shortage won’t create more fuel in the system.
“New Zealand doesn’t have large storage capacity beyond the minimum stockholding requirements, so we rely on regular shipments to keep supply steady. Bringing in restrictions too early can disrupt normal operations and make it harder to keep fuel flowing to essential services when it really matters.”
New Zealand is currently at “Phase 1” of the escalating response: “Government monitors global developments and works with companies to understand risks and identify appropriate responses.”
During a disruption, MBE said, the Fuel Sector Coordinating Entity is stood up and brings together fuel companies and government agencies to share real‑time information, assess risks early, and co-ordinate actions across the system.
“This ensures New Zealand can respond in a timely, proportionate and well‑aligned way, without relying on ad‑hoc or reactive measures.”