New Zealand’s fuel stocks dipped slightly in the latest update, although the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) says supplies remain stable.

MBIE measures fuel supplies both in the country and on the way to New Zealand. As of April 15, there was 54 days of petrol, 44.8 days of diesel and 51.4 days of jet fuel either in the country or on the way to New Zealand.

“Stocks for petrol and diesel are lower and stocks for jet fuel have increased since the previous update,” MBIE said.

“The latest update shows national fuel stocks remain stable, with sufficient stock levels across petrol, diesel and jet fuel.”

The most previous fuel update, for April 12, recorded 56.3 days of petrol, 45.4 days of diesel and 47 days of jet fuel in the country or on the way.

The reporting and public interest in New Zealand’s fuel stocks has increased since the beginning of conflict in the Middle East, which has increased fuel prices in New Zealand.

The closing of the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route near Iran, has added pressure to the global fuel market and disrupted vessel movements, leading to higher prices, especially for importing nations like New Zealand.

The latest figures come amid reports of New Zealanders struggling to afford rising fuel prices in the middle of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

As the Herald reported earlier today, some Auckland charities are reporting a dip in food parcel pick-ups because the city’s most disadvantaged cannot afford petrol to reach distribution hubs.

About 140,000 families with children will receive an extra $50 a week from the Government’s temporary boost to the in-work tax credit.

A further breakdown of the latest figures is:

• There is 29.6 days of petrol, 19.5 days of diesel and 28.5 days of jet fuel in the country.
• There are 13 ships carrying fuel on the way to New Zealand. Between them, they are carrying 24.4 days of petrol, 25.4 days of diesel and 22.9 days of jet fuel.

Julia Gabel is a Wellington-based political reporter. She joined the Herald in 2020 and has most recently focused on data journalism.