First shipment of extra diesel reserve bound for NZ
Monday, 1 June 2026
The first of two shipments of New Zealand’s diesel reserve is now on its way to New Zealand, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.
The fuel was loaded on May 31 and is now en route to Marsden Point in Northland, where it is expected to arrive mid-June. The second shipment is expected to arrive in early July.
Channel Infrastructure is continuing work to refurbish two former crude oil tanks at Marsden Point to create around 93 million litres of capacity for the diesel. The tanks will be ready to receive the fuel when the first shipment arrives.
Together, the two shipments represent around nine days’ of typical diesel consumption for the country.
The additional supply will not count towards the fuel companies’ minimum stockholding obligations, and will be controlled by the Government.
Willis said the reserve would strengthen New Zealand's fuel security and resilience.
“Diesel is critical to keeping New Zealand moving. It powers freight, agriculture, construction and many of the services New Zealanders rely on every day.
“Having additional diesel available in New Zealand provides greater resilience and gives New Zealanders confidence that we are better prepared for potential supply disruptions.”
The Crown and Z Energy earlier agreed Z would own and manage the reserve stocks. But how and when the reserve was used would be decided by ministers, Jones said.
The refurbishment of the tanks at Marsden Point is being paid for by up to $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
The country's latest fuel stocks data shows a slight decrease across all fuel types, but within expected levels.
The update, accurate to the end of Wednesday, showed there were 58.1 days’ worth of petrol supply either in the country or on its way, 44.2 days’ of diesel, and 57.8 days' of jet fuel.
This compared to the previous update, when there was 61.1 days' worth of petrol, 45.9 days' of diesel, and 50.3 days' of aviation fuel.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment said the fuel supply chain continued to operate smoothly, with fuel flowing into the country as expected.
“These movements reflect normal shipping patterns and routine variations and are consistent with what we would expect even without the conflict in the Middle East.”
There were three ships on the water within New Zealand's exclusive economic zone, and 10 on the water outside the EEZ, up to three weeks away.
“Fuel importers have provided good confidence through confirmed orders to July, with planned orders extending into August,” MBIE said.