Middle East conflict and New Zealand's fuel stocks
MBIE is actively assessing the fuel security situation for New Zealand following the recent events in the Middle East.
On this page I tēnei whārangi
What you need to know:
- Fuel supply is currently stable, and our stocks remain sufficient.
- There is no need to change how you purchase fuel. Sticking to your usual habits helps keep the system running smoothly for everyone.
- New Zealand has clear, proven arrangements for managing disruptions. The Government has put a Fuel Response Plan 2026 in place so it can act early and deliberately, based on evidence, across a range of possible scenarios.
- Introducing fuel rationing or restrictions before there is clear evidence of a genuine shortage won’t create more fuel in the system. New Zealand doesn’t have large storage capacity beyond the minimum stockholding requirements, so we rely on regular shipments to keep supply steady. Bringing in restrictions too early can disrupt normal operations and make it harder to keep fuel flowing to essential services when it really matters.
- While there are currently no disruptions to our fuel supply that require changes to how we buy fuels, the price of petrol and diesel is expected to continue to climb in the coming weeks. Businesses should plan ahead for higher fuel costs in ways that make sense for their operations, employees, and customers.
New Zealand is continuing to closely monitor the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East on global fuel markets. While this is a fast moving situation internationally, fuel supply into New Zealand remains stable, and onshore and incoming stocks are sufficient. There is currently no need for New Zealanders to change how they buy or use fuel.
This page explains what we are seeing, how New Zealand prepares for international fuel disruptions, and the response phases the Government and industry would take if global conditions worsen.
Global impacts
The conflict in the Middle East is adding pressure to global fuel markets. Disruption to major shipping routes can cause longer voyages, delays in vessel movement, and shifts in supply patterns. These factors may place upward pressure on global prices, which New Zealand can be exposed to as an importing nation.
Higher prices are flowing through to fuel costs in New Zealand.
At this stage, we are not experiencing the types of sustained, direct supply impacts that would affect everyday access to fuel in New Zealand. Monitoring and planning are underway to ensure we are ready for any changes in international conditions.
The current situation for New Zealand
Based on regular updates from fuel companies and agencies across the energy system, New Zealand remains in a strong position. Fuel continues to flow normally into the country, and importers are actively managing their supply chains.
New Zealand maintains domestic fuel security through strong commercial stockholdings managed by industry.
Minimum Stockholding Obligation
From 1 January 2025, fuel importers must hold minimum levels of fuel, either onshore or in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Fuel importers must hold:
28 days’ cover of petrol
21 days’ cover of diesel
24 days’ cover of jet fuel.
Fuel stocks update
Current fuel stock
Current fuel stock as at 11:59PM Wednesday 25 March (as days' cover).
| Stock | Number of ships | Petrol | Diesel | Jet fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-country | 27.9 | 21.7 | 25.3 | |
| On water within EEZ (up to 2 days away) | 5 | 12.5 | 6.1 | 2.0 |
| On water outside EEZ (up to 3 weeks away) | 10 | 18.9 | 26.7 | 23.1 |
| Total NZ stock | 59.3 | 54.5 | 50.4 |
*Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Data will next be updated on the afternoon of Wednesday 1 April.
Previous fuel stock
Fuel stocks as previously reported (published 26 March), as at 11:59PM on Sunday 22 March (as days' cover).
| Stock | Petrol | Diesel | Jet fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-country | 24.5 | 18.1 | 20.1 |
| On water within EEZ (up to 2 days away) | 19.8 | 15.8 | 11.7 |
| On water outside EEZ (up to 3 weeks away) | 4.3 | 12.5 | 21.6 |
| Total NZ stock* | 48.7 | 46.4 | 53.4 |
*Totals may not sum due to rounding.
Further detail
MBIE receives twice-weekly updates from fuel importers. This data is cross-checked against shipping information and aggregated to protect commercial confidentiality.
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
The Exclusive Economic Zone is a boundary that extends 200 nautical miles (370.4 km) off the coast.
On water within EEZ
Fuel is being unloaded from ships, on board ships at berth but not yet unloading, or on ships moving between ports or entering the EEZ from international waters.
On water outside EEZ
Fuel on ships that have left their port of origin but not yet entered New Zealand waters.
On water within EEZ and On water were combined in previous reporting as On water.
How New Zealand manages fuel security
New Zealand has well established arrangements for identifying and responding to international fuel disruptions.
The Government has released updates to the National Fuel Plan to respond to fuel supply uncertainty driven by the conflict in the Middle East. Having a plan in place gives Government the ability to act with confidence and clarity, making evidence‑based decisions rather than reacting under pressure.
The Fuel Response Plan 2026 outlines 4 clear phases that respond proportionately to the risks to New Zealand’s fuel security. These phases are assessed separately for petrol, diesel and jet fuel to reflect their different functions and challenges.
At each phase is a set of measures that would be taken in response to escalating risks to New Zealand’s fuel security.
Phase 1: Watchful
What’s happening
The fuel market is operating effectively and fuel is available nationwide. However, prices are rising due to global market changes.
This phase is about supporting the market and making sure Kiwis have good information.
What the Government will do
- Monitor fuel stocks and shipments
- Publish twice-weekly stock updates
- Monitor global supply and maintain engagement with international partners
- Coordinate closely with industry players to ensure markets continue to work well
- Understand and prepare to reduce its own demand
- Provide information to the public, including on how to reduce fuel bills
What you can do
- Access fuel as you normally would
- Regularly check MBIE’s website
- Be aware of EECA’s information on fuel-saving measures
Phase 2: Precautionary
What’s happening
The market continues to operate effectively and fuel is available nationwide, but there are signs of significant supply disruptions.
This phase is about shoring up supply, closer coordination between Government and industry, and managing demand.
What the Government will do
- Continue to monitor fuel stocks and shipments, and publish twice-weekly stock updates
- Work with international partners to keep fuel flowing to New Zealand
- Coordinate closely with key industry players to ensure fuel is effectively distributed
- Review regulations to enable reduced fuel use
- Implement a public sector fuel response plan
- Provide information to the public on how to reduce fuel bills and conserve fuel in the national interest
What you can do
- Access fuel as you normally would
- Consider combining trips, and/or other modes
- Regularly check MBIE’s website
- Follow EECA guidance on additional measures to help save fuel day-to-day
Phase 3: Managed (Under consultation)
What’s happening
Supply is tighter and the Government is making sure fuel gets where it is needed most.
This phase uses Government powers, implemented by industry, to protect critical services. Measures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.
What the Government may do
- Prioritise uninterrupted supply to life-preserving services, and help direct fuel supply to others according to priority, for example via purchasing limits
- Provide regular public updates, listen to industry and communities, and adjust accordingly
- Regularly assess how things are going, and get back to Phase 2 as soon as possible
What you can do
- Be confident that ambulances, fire services, hospitals, and food supply chains are covered
- Follow any purchase limits
- Check the daily update to understand how long measures will be in place
Phase 4: Protected (Under consultation)
What’s happening
There is a bigger or sustained supply disruption, and there are formal rules to ensure fuel is distributed fairly.
This phase is about protecting critical services, and making sure everyone else gets a share. Measures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.
What the Government may do
- Prioritise uninterrupted supply to all life-preserving services, and more strictly direct how fuel is distributed to other customers
- Maintain daily public updates, listen to industry and communities, and adjust as appropriate
- Regularly assess progress, and get back to Phase 2/3 as soon as possible
What you can do
- Know that essential services like food supply and emergency response are fully protected
- Use service stations as directed
- Check the daily update
The criteria that would lead to a move between Phases
The Fuel Security Ministerial Oversight Group will be responsible for deciding whether a shift between phases is appropriate, with the group required to consider a move when there is a change in any of the 6 assessment criteria. These criteria will be used to assess a movement up or down a response phase.
The Government has agreed 6 assessment criteria that would lead to a Ministerial assessment meeting:
- export restrictions: If any of our source refineries introduce or relax export restrictions
- fuel stock levels plus or minus 3 days since the last published update
- a fuel company informs the government that they are unlikely to fill future orders
- a breach, or a notification of an imminent breach, of the minimum storage obligations
- any significant policy changes in Australia or the International Energy Agency
- a significant disruption to regional distribution.
Phases can be applied separately to petrol, diesel, and jet fuel if required. Fuel types can be assessed separately.
Any movement between phases will be decided by Ministers, based on a range of advice around these factors. There are no automatic triggers. Ministers will assess the full picture each time and will publicly explain any decision to change phases.
At every phase, the Government will continue to publish regular updates so households, businesses, and critical services know what is happening and what to expect.
Work continues on Phases 3 and 4
The Government is working up detail with industry and key frontline services to determine how Phases 3 and 4 will be implemented. There will be priority bands, and we will continue to work closely with industry on how allocation of fuel would be managed.
The indicative bands of customers, all of which need to be further tested and developed before finalisation, in order of prioritisation, are:
- Band A: life-supporting services – uncapped supply – e.g. emergency services, courts, corrections, hospitals, lifeline utilities and defence
- Band B: economically important services – e.g. critical transport services (e.g.
road freight for supermarket and grocery supply chains, international air links), food supply and primary production during time-critical periods - Band C: essential services – e.g. public transport, essential infrastructure maintenance, and rural GPs and district nurses
- Band D: other commercial customers – this comprises all other commercial and business fuel uses
- Band E: general retail sales to consumers.
Feedback on priority bands and how businesses fit within them can be sent to:
prioritybands@mbie.govt.nz
Working with international partners
New Zealand is a member country of the International Energy Agency (IEA). Membership of the IEA acts as “insurance” against disruption to international energy supplies.
The IEA is monitoring developments in the region and may intervene through collective actions like coordinating the release of strategic oil reserves by their member states.
On 11 March 2026, the IEA agreed to undertake a collective action releasing 400 million barrels of oil to help stabilise global supply. This release will support refinery access to crude oil and reduce pressure caused by the Middle East conflict.
New Zealand has confirmed it will fulfil its obligations for this collective action by releasing oil tickets.
Fuel specifications
Fuel specifications set the minimum technical and environmental requirements that petrol, diesel and other transport fuels must meet before they can be supplied in New Zealand. Each country has its own fuel specifications.
The Government is temporarily aligning New Zealand’s fuel specifications with Australia’s to improve access to different fuel markets. This change allows fuel refined to Australian standards to be supplied in New Zealand, giving importers access to a wider range of shipments and reducing the risk of supply disruptions caused by minor technical differences.
Australian spec fuel is compatible with New Zealand vehicles and meets safety and quality requirements. New Zealand will not, at this stage, relax sulphur limits as Australia has done, but this remains under review if further supply flexibility is needed.
The measure is time limited, focused on maintaining supply resilience, and could remain in place for up to 12 months while global fuel markets remain uncertain.
Government widens fuel supply options(external link) — Beehive.govt
Staying informed
We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. If a change in New Zealand’s fuel supply outlook occurs, this will be communicated clearly together with information on what it means for New Zealanders.
Petrol and diesel prices are expected to stay high and may continue to rise in the coming weeks due to global pressures.
Higher fuel costs can affect day-to-day expenses, transport, and travel. Businesses should take some time to consider how these costs affect their operations and plan in ways that make sense for them.
There is no one-size-fits-all response. What matters is thinking ahead and making practical choices that work for your business, your people, and your customers – rather than having to react later.
New Zealand has successfully managed international fuel disruptions before. With strong planning, close coordination across the system, and ongoing international partnerships, we are well placed to respond if global conditions deteriorate.