Our vision and objectives
Our vision is to have a fuel system that is resilient to disruptions, so people have access to fuel where and when they need it.
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To achieve this, our objective is to maintain fuel supply by:
- Improving energy independence
- Reducing vulnerabilities in our fuel supply chains
- Minimising the impact of fuel disruptions.
In pursuing this vision, we recognise the need to balance resilience with affordability – any measure must deliver value for money.
The actions in the plan will be delivered within the next 10 years – that is from 2025 to 2035. This timeframe provides a practical window that balances long-term planning with the flexibility to adapt to rapid changes in fuel technologies and global energy trends.
The Fuel Security Study identified accelerating the energy transition, and thereby reducing import dependency, as the most cost-effective ways to improve fuel security. We are transitioning towards a more fuel-diverse future with increasing electrification and use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels. Globally, this transition is happening faster than expected as technology costs fall. For instance, in China, in some cases, electric trucks are now cheaper than diesel trucks over their lifetime, with cost parity expected in Europe and the United States by 2030.[1] By producing alternative fuels domestically, we can reduce our exposure to global supply shocks and strengthen our energy independence.
With increased uptake of electric vehicles (and other machines), our fuel and electricity systems will become more interconnected. This introduces new vulnerabilities. Ensuring wider energy system security will remain a central consideration alongside fuel security.
Even as we shift to domestic alternatives, New Zealand will continue to rely on imported fuels for the foreseeable future. We must therefore remain prepared to manage and minimise the impacts of import disruptions.
The Fuel Security Plan also delivers wider benefits. Increased electrification helps New Zealand meet our emissions targets and contributes to cleaner air and healthier communities. Reducing reliance on imports and using domestically produced energy will improve economic prosperity including for regional communities. We will also improve New Zealand’s balance of payments.
This vision provides the strategic direction of the Fuel Security Plan. It frames actions as part of a deliberate long-term pathway toward enhanced national fuel security. This approach supports policy continuity, guides investment priorities and reinforces the Government’s commitment to future-proofing New Zealand’s energy resilience and economic security.
Footnote
[1] Global EV Outlook 2025(external link) — International Energy Agency