Iran war: NZ’s petrol, diesel and jet fuel stocks decline again
Wednesday, 6 May 2026
New Zealand’s stocks of petrol, diesel and jet fuel have all fallen since Monday’s stocktake, according to official figures released on Wednesday.
Total petrol stocks were at 49.3 days’ supply, down 3.2 days; diesel stocks fell to 47.7 days, down five days; and jet fuel stocks of 55.1 days were down 3.6 days. That was as of 11.59pm on Sunday May 3.
Fuel continued to flow into the country as expected and the supply chain was operating smoothly, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said in its regular update.
“Fuel importers have provided good confidence through confirmed orders to mid-June, with planned orders extending into July.
Read more:
ANZ boss Antonia Watson warns about economic impact of fuel crisis
Interislander nearly doubles fuel charges to trucks as marine oil spikes
“Overall fuel stocks remain well above the minimum requirements.”
In terms of petrol, there were 34 days’ worth in country, 4.9 days on water within the Exclusive Economic Zone (up to two days away) and 10.4 days on water outside the EEZ, up to three weeks away.
Diesel stocks consisted of 26.1 days on land, 2.5 days on water within the EEZ and 19.1 days on water outside the EEZ.
Jet fuel stocks were 34.4 days on land, 0.5 days on water within the EEZ and 20.2 days on water outside the EEZ.
“The drop in diesel supplies follows an update in which supplies increased, as tankers unloaded,” MBIE said.
“Stocks are still high, so it would be normal to see a run of reductions in total stocks over the next few updates.”
The stock movements reflected shipping patterns and variations expected even without the conflict in the Middle East, the ministry said.