Fuel remains readily available, but the Government has refreshed its response framework amid Middle East uncertainty. 1News explains the alert system and when it would kick in.
Politics
12:24pm
Six "on water" vessels discharging or moving between New Zealand ports were carrying 11.6 days of diesel, 19.8 days of petrol cover, and 11.7 days of jet fuel.
Thursday 5:15pm
National prices have climbed by around 55 cents per litre for petrol and 90 cents per litre for diesel since the start of the war in the Middle East.
New Zealand
Wed, Mar 25
"The situation demands far more than what was announced today," says Greens co-leader Marama Davidson.
Tue, Mar 24
The temporary boost to the in-work tax credit will also expand eligibility to about 14,000 additional working families, who will receive the credit at a reduced rate.
The temporary change was aimed at reducing supply disruption risks by widening the pool of fuel New Zealand importers can access.
Mon, Mar 23
The Government's $52.7 million zero-interest loans would go to ChargeNet and Meridian Energy, who are co-investing a combined $60m in capital.
Environment
Finance Minister Nicola Willis might be being optimistic if she thinks inflation at 3.7% is a "worst case scenario", one economist says.
Sun, Mar 22
Several Gull, Foodstuffs, and Tasman Fuels stations ran out of petrol and diesel on Thursday and Friday, as the crisis deepened in the Middle East.
Business
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has warned the fuel situation could get worse before it gets better.
Fri, Mar 20
"I do want to be straight with New Zealanders — things could get worse before they actually get better," Luxon said, following a briefing from officials.
Thu, Mar 19
It comes after it was revealed New Zealand's economy grew in the final quarter of 2025.
The cash injection will support early‑stage geothermal projects as the Government moves to double geothermal energy use.
Wed, Mar 18
Finance Minister Nicola Willis was at pains to highlight that any relief options would be targeted towards lower and middle income New Zealanders.
Mon, Mar 16
Speaking to Q+A this morning, the Finance Minister says the Government was planning for supply disruptions and higher prices as global oil routes remain under pressure.
Sun, Mar 15
One person said there was "confusion" as people were able to pre-pay, but couldn't get the gas they wanted.
Fri, Mar 13
The Motor Industry Association said it wants to keep the standard, but it needs "recalibration" to make sure it works for importers, car distributors, and consumers.
Thu, Mar 5
Prolonged strikes and counter strikes will likely result in higher prices for crude oil and gasoline, according to energy experts.
World
Mon, Mar 2
Ngā Wairiki-Ngāti Apa is staking its claim in New Zealand’s clean energy future, backing a 280-megawatt green hydrogen and methanol project that could deliver climate gains, generational returns and long-term iwi ownership.
Thu, Feb 19
Andrew Eagles said he didn’t accept the contention that liquefied natural gas would smooth out the highs in electricity prices.
Sun, Feb 15
Residents of the remote community, 800km off mainland New Zealand, have long relied on diesel for electricity, meaning power prices up to four times the national average.
December 23, 2025
Among the trees that will have to be removed is a 75-year-old phoenix palm, which has stood sentinel on the land since about 1950.
December 9, 2025
Multiple pulp and paper mills have closed since the coalition came to power, citing high energy costs, leading to loud calls for action on electricity prices.
October 19, 2025
The Construction Minister said he hadn't "seriously contemplated" recommending compensation for buildings remediated to standards that were now not required.
October 5, 2025
The announcement comes after a review found Genesis, Mercury, and Meridian faced constraints in their ability to invest in larger generation projects.
October 1, 2025
