Updated: 30 Mar 2026 PHASE 1 — WATCHFUL
Current Situation Assessment

Short Term

Fuel supply is currently stable, and onshore and incoming stocks remain sufficient. Fuel continues to flow normally into the country, and importers are actively managing their supply chains. MBIE assessed the situation as Phase 1 (Watchful) as of 30 March 2026.

Watch Points

Prices of petrol and diesel are expected to climb due to global pressures. 15 vessels are currently tracked (5 within EEZ, 10 outside) providing a steady pipeline of stock over the next 3 weeks. There is no need for New Zealanders to change their fuel purchasing habits.

Global Context

IEA collective action (400M bbl) remains active. NZ is fulfilling obligations via oil tickets. Fuel specifications have been temporarily aligned with Australia for up to 12 months to reduce supply disruption risks and allow importers to access a wider range of shipments.

National Fuel Plan — Current Status
1
WATCHFUL
The market is operating effectively and fuel is available nationwide, but monitoring is heightened.
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
2
PRECAUTIONARY
Significant supply disruptions possible. Shoring up supply and managing demand.
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
  • Work with international partners to keep fuel flowing
  • Coordinate closely with key industry players for distribution
  • Review regulations to enable reduced fuel use
  • Implement a public sector fuel response plan
  • Provide information on how to conserve fuel
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 saving fuel
3
MANAGED
Supply is tighter. Government powers used to protect critical services.
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 supply to life-preserving services
  • Help direct fuel supply via purchasing limits
  • Provide regular public updates
  • Regularly assess and return to Phase 2 ASAP
What you can do
  • Be confident that emergency and food services are covered
  • Follow any purchase limits
  • Check daily updates
4
PROTECTED
Severe disruption. Formal rules to ensure fuel is distributed fairly.
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.
What the Government may do
  • Prioritise uninterrupted supply to life-preserving services
  • Strictly direct how fuel is distributed to customers
  • Maintain daily public updates
  • Return to Phase 2/3 ASAP
What you can do
  • Essential services are fully protected
  • Use service stations as directed
  • Check daily updates
Fuel Stock Levels — As at 11:59PM Wednesday 25 March 2026

⛽ PETROL

59.3d
Onshore 27.9d
On-water 31.4d
MSO Required 28d

🚛 DIESEL

54.5d
Onshore 21.7d
On-water 32.8d
MSO Required 21d

✈️ JET FUEL

50.4d
Onshore 25.3d
On-water 25.1d
MSO Required 24d

Onshore Stock vs Minimum Obligation

Petrol
27.9d
Diesel
21.7d
Jet Fuel
25.3d
Red line = MSO minimum threshold
MSO Compliance MET via EEZ
National Fuel Plan Phase 1 — Watchful
Supply Disruption STABLE
IEA Collective Action ACTIVE

Full Stock Breakdown

Type Petrol Diesel Jet Fuel
In-country 27.9d21.7d25.3d
On-water 31.4d32.8d25.1d
Total 59.3d54.5d50.4d
MSO Min. 28d21d24d
Buffer -0.1d+0.7d+1.3d
Incoming Vessels (next 3 weeks)
Period Vessels Petrol Diesel Jet
Within EEZ (up to 2d away)512.5d6.1d2.0d
Outside EEZ (up to 3w away)1018.9d26.7d23.1d
Includes 15 ships currently tracked. Total incoming: 51.4d petrol, 32.8d diesel, 25.1d jet. Source: MBIE 30 Mar 2026.
Crude Oil Price — Trading Economics tradingeconomics.com ↗
Gaspy — Live NZ Fuel Price Map gaspy.nz ↗
Hormuz Boat Live Tracker marinevesseltraffic.com ↗