Iran war: No on-site diesel for ambulances, but priority in national fuel plan

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance’s ambulances are operating without on-site diesel reserves as the war in Iran disrupts fuel supplies , but have been given priority access in the Government’s national fuel plan.

St John deputy chief executive corporate operations Cameron Brill said was not able to store diesel on site as it did not have space or the appropriate facilities to store reserves safely.

Brill said there was no current impact on St John’s ability to respond to patients.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, including managing localised demand issues and working with fuel suppliers and Government agencies to strengthen supply resilience,” he said.

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All of St John’s 628 ambulances rely on diesel, except for one trial EV emergency ambulance in Lyttelton.

He said an update had been proactively provided to the Government to inform them of their status and preparedness.

Wellington Free Ambulance said to date there had been no disruption to its services.

'Like all road users, we are impacted by the increasing costs of fuel and will be looking to accommodate the increased costs within our current budget to ensure the continuity of services to the people of Greater Wellington and Wairarapa,' a spokesperson said.

Health Minister Simeon Brown said providing fuel for ambulances would always be a priority for the Government given they were a critical service.

The national fuel plan classes ambulance services as a critical fuel customer and means essential services are protected and can operate without any disruption.

Back-up generators for hospitals

Meanwhile Health NZ is keeping a close eye on diesel supplies for its back up generators should the power supply to hospitals be interrupted for any reason.

Robyn Shearer, executive national director for people and culture, health and safety, said it did not rely on diesel generators for its everyday operations and it currently had good stocks.

“We continue to proactively engage with our diesel suppliers, and we are working as part of the All of Government fuel planning response to ensure supplies are prioritised should it be necessary.”

Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall is calling on the Government to extend its care package to care and support workers, who paid for fuel out of their own pocket.

“There could be threats to the sustainability of that service if there isn't assistance.”

She also wanted the government to increase its national travel assistance scheme subsidies - which provides financial assistance for patients travelling long distances for health service - saying fuel costs were putting pressure on patients.

Brown said the Government was aware of these cost pressures and was considering them as part of the response to the conflict.