Introduction
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New Zealand’s economy and our way of life depend on liquid fuels. Because our fuels are imported from overseas, we are vulnerable to disruptions that occur beyond our borders, increasing fuel prices and causing supply shortages. We are also vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones or earthquakes that may prevent fuel reaching those who need it.
The Government has plans in place to respond to immediate fuel disruptions. Our National Fuel Plan sets out how we will work with the fuel industry to manage domestic disruptions, which are usually short-term and localised.[1]
We need to consider what measures we need to put in place to ensure our fuel system is resilient in the medium to long term. We depend on imported liquid fuels and have several critical single points of failure within our borders. At the same time, our liquid fuel use is changing – demand for petrol is already declining due to more efficient engines and the rise of electric vehicles.
In February 2025, we published the Fuel Security Study. It found while our fuel supply chains are largely resilient, there are opportunities to further strengthen our fuel security, in both the short and long-term.[2]
This draft Fuel Security Plan builds on that study and is part of the Government’s wider work to ensure access to critical goods and services is maintained. It sets out the steps the Government is taking to make New Zealand’s fuel system more resilient and secure.
The Fuel Security Plan looks ahead to 2035 and beyond. The 2035 timeframe provides a practical 10-year outlook that balances long-term planning with the flexibility to adapt to rapid changes in fuel technologies and global energy trends.
Our vision and objective to 2035 and beyond
Our vision is to have a fuel system that is resilient to disruptions, so that people have access to fuel where and when they need it.
Our objective is to maintain fuel supply by:
- improving energy independence
- reducing vulnerabilities in our fuel supply chains
- minimising the impact of fuel disruptions
The plan focuses on four areas:
- Resilience to global supply disruptions
- Domestic resilience
- Supporting domestic fuel alternatives
- Resilience in a transitioning market
We want your views
We are seeking your feedback on this draft Fuel Security Plan. Your insights will help shape a plan that reflects the needs and priorities for New Zealand.
We welcome your views on the proposed focus areas, actions, and any additional measures you believe should be considered. Throughout the draft plan, you’ll find questions to guide your input.
Next steps
Consultation period: Public submissions close at 5pm, 25 August 2025.
How to Have Your Say: You can provide feedback by emailing your response to GasFuelPolicy@mbie.govt.nz
Footnotes
[1] National fuel plan(external link) – Civil Defence
[2]Fuel security study [PDF, 4.5 MB]