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Summarised by Centrist
The latest MBIE update says New Zealand had just under 48 days of diesel in the country or on its way as of Sunday, down from about 53 days last week. Petrol fell from roughly 53 days to just over 49 days, while jet fuel dropped from almost 59 days to approximately 55 days.
That satisfies one of the government’s triggers for considering a fuel alert level review. When ministers Nicola Willis and Shane Jones announced the system in March, one trigger was a fuel type dropping by three days’ worth.
However, Willis told the Herald the government would not review the alert level after the latest update.
“Officials have advised Ministers that a review of the phase levels is not necessary given stocks remain within normal ranges, the supply chain is operating smoothly, and these changes were expected.”
MBIE also said fuel stocks remain “well above the minimum requirements and within normal levels”. It said the supply chain was “operating smoothly” and importers had confirmed orders through to mid-June, with planned orders into July.
The ministry said three ships were expected within two days, carrying almost 5 days of petrol, 2.5 days of diesel and half a day of jet fuel. Another seven ships were expected within three weeks, carrying almost 10.5 days of petrol, 19 days of diesel and 20 days of jet fuel.
New Zealand remains at level one, which does not involve major interventions or rationing.
