Police keeping eye on fuel crisis, ready to crack down on any related crime

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Police are keeping an eye on the country’s developing fuel crisis, and readying themselves to respond to any crime which might be committed in its wake.

The price at the pump for petrol and diesel has been climbing since the United States and Israel started its bombing campaign against Iran on February 28.

As a result of the conflict, a key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, has been closed, disrupting about 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Petrol prices have gone past $3 a litre for 91 in parts of the country, with some stations nearing $3.50. The cost of diesel was at $1 more per litre.

The rising price had resulted in motorists flocking in their numbers to the nation’s petrol stations to fill vehicle tanks, as well as jerry can containers.

In some cases, the demand had seen stations run out of petrol temporarily.

Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny said police continued to take advice from Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment regarding the global fuel shortage.

Law enforcement were also “closely watching” for trends related to fuel theft and any associated offending, she said.

This included crimes like petrol drive-offs.

“At this stage, it is too early to determine any notable change in offending,” she said.

However, officers were ready to respond to any incidents in communities as they arose.

Penny said under the National Fuel Plan, arrangements were in place to ensure supply to emergency services was prioritised in order to maintain essential operations.

On Sunday, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said New Zealand’s fuel stocks remain at seven weeks worth, including stockpiles.

She signalled the Government were considering options to help offset the rising fuel costs faced by Kiwis ahead of May’s Budget.