The fuel can shortage is at an end (for now at least)
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
It’s been tough buying a fuel can in New Zealand’s main cities since US President Donald Trump thrust a spanner in the works of the global oil trade by launching attacks on Iran.
Petrol prices have spiked, the Government is issuing daily announcements on how many days of fuel are available, and by Tuesday morning many Bunnings and Mitre 10 stores had been stripped of cans.
Both retailers say they have now placed urgent orders to replenish stock. Mitre 10 confirmed that shelves were being restocked on Tuesday, with more stock expected to flow through stores by the end of the day — giving shoppers wanting to store a little extra petrol at home a way to do so soon.
But on Tuesday morning the shortages were obvious. A motorist wanting to buy a $34.98 Blitz 20-litre yellow diesel can in Auckland would have found none available at Bunnings stores in Mount Roskill, Grey Lynn, Mount Wellington, New Lynn, Botany, Glenfield, Manukau, Constellation Drive, or Westgate.
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If they drove the 42km round trip to Takanini, they could still get one, although stock was low.
Bunnings in Takanini didn’t have a $34.98 Blitz 20-litre red petrol can, though - and there wasn’t a single one of those available at any of the chain’s Auckland stores within 100km.
It was a similar picture at Mitre 10. Its MAC 10-litre red fuel can was sold out in Ponsonby, Onehunga, Mount Wellington, New Lynn, Glenfield, Henderson, Manukau, Botany, Westgate, and Albany.
The run on fuel cans had also left the shelves bare across many lines at both Mitre 10 and Bunnings stores in Wellington. By Tuesday morning , the nearest MAC 10-litre red fuel available for capital dwellers was in Marton - 168km away.
The Warehouse was also struggling to meet demand.
Every $30 Mac Self-Venting Fuel Can Red 20-litre the retailer had in Auckland, Wellington and Waikato was listed as out of stock at its stores in those cities, though some of its 15-litre ones were still available in some Auckland Warehouse stores, and most Wellington stores still had them.
Chris Peak, chief merchandise officer at Mitre 10, said: “The fuel cans we sell are made here in New Zealand, and our supply partner has already increased production to meet demand.
“Manufacturing and replenishment are continuing steadily so any short‑term gaps are temporary.”
Peak said: “Stores are being restocked today, and customers can check availability at their preferred store online.”
In a statement to The Post, Bunnings said: “Fuel cans in 5L and 10L sizes are available in stores across the country, with more stock in transit to stores.”
“Our team is working hard to meet the needs of customers, as we always do,” the statement said.
Like Mitre 10, the fuel containers sold by Bunnings are made in New Zealand.
However, storing flammable liquids at home was not without risk, and Peak said: “We’d also remind people to be careful about storing fuel at home. A cool, well‑ventilated, shaded area is best, and ideally away from the house or garage.”