Hawke’s Bay drivers say they are rethinking the extent of their social lives and daily spending as fuel soars towards $3 a litre.

Some are cutting back on drinking and restaurant visits, while others are hunting for discounts and filling up more, with fears prices may climb further.

Petrol prices are expected to hit at least $3 a litre in some places around the region and country, as international oil prices soar on fears about supplies from the Middle East.

Fuel supply concerns have gripped the country following the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran, the Iranian regime’s retaliatory strikes on neighbouring countries, and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the globe’s oil supply is carried.

Consumers panicking at the pump have turned to platforms like the fuel-tracking app Gaspy, which provides real-time price comparisons based on user-generated entries.

Others have taken to buying extra fuel supplies, filling up jerry cans.

On Monday, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis said fuel orders were secure, and the country had 57 days of petrol and 49 days of diesel in stock.

Hawke’s Bay Today spoke to Napier and Hastings drivers about the impact, with prices for 91 octane across the twin cities on Monday ranging from $2.87 – with a discount receipt – to $3.15 a litre.

Dimi Desilva at Gull Mayfair on Karamu Rd said she was fuelling up more often, due to fears the prices would increase further.

“Financially, it is a huge hit because it’s money that has been allocated for other things, now used so that we can travel.

“I am a bit stressed and knowing that prices are increasing weekly, daily ... I’m trying to top up as much as possible.”

Hastings driver Stephanie Hutchinson said the increase left her feeling worried. Photo / Rafaella Melo

Across the forecourt was Stephanie Hutchinson, who said she felt “anxious” about the price increases.

“It cost me $55 to fill half a tank, where normally it might cost me $75 to fill the whole thing.”

“I wonder, when will this stop?”

Driver Ross Alexander at Pak'nSave Napier petrol station. Photo / Rafaella Melo

In Napier, Ross Alexander said he chose to fuel up on days he could get the most discount.

He fuelled his vehicle at Pak‘nSave on Monday, using the six-cent store discount.

“There is not much I can do about it, especially with the conflict going on in the Middle East, but any increases, it was always difficult to swallow.”

Napier driver Chichi Yeh fills up her car at Z Mataruahou. Photo / Rafaella Melo

At Z Mataruahou in Napier, Chichi Yeh said she felt uncertain about the higher price and had to adjust her financial plan and social life.

“It’s scary, we don’t know what is going on in the future and for my job, I can’t work at home.”

“You need fuel to survive.”

Willis, the Finance Minister, said on Monday that New Zealand had “normal levels of stock [fuel] in the country and on the water” and the rise in cost was “unavoidable”.

As it stands, petrol prices have risen by 45-50 cents a litre, adding about $23 to the cost of filling an average car, while diesel has risen by 72 cents a litre, adding about $36 to the cost of filling an average diesel vehicle.

“I’m advised as of yesterday [Sunday], 13 vessels were safely on their way here, with a further three safely scheduled to depart,” Willis said.

She acknowledged the price increase and additional pressure on the cost of living, but said the current prices were “slightly below” the 2022 price peak.

“It is reasonable to assume they could go higher.”

Willis said financial support for households was not a measure needed yet and any support would be targeted, timely and temporary.