March 21, 2026

#national: Petrol prices rise again as pressure builds on whānau and businesses

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 21, 2026

Image: the latest from Gaspy.com

Reports from across Aotearoa today from Radio Waatea correspondents indicate petrol and diesel prices are once again climbing, adding fresh pressure to households already grappling with the rising cost of living.

Feedback from listeners and communities paints a consistent picture – costs at the pump are continuing to move upward, with many warning the impact is beginning to bite hard.

One Waatea follower in the South Island said if diesel prices continue to rise, they may have no choice but to park up their truck, highlighting the growing strain on transport operators and those reliant on fuel for their livelihoods.

In Tairāwhiti, another listener pointed out the lack of alternatives, noting there is no reliable public transport to fall back on, leaving many with little choice but to absorb the rising costs.

Meanwhile in Masterton, locals reacted bluntly to recent comments from Finance Minister Nicola Willis encouraging motorists to lighten the load in their vehicles, dismissing the suggestion as out of touch with the realities facing everyday New Zealanders.

The latest reports come as national data shows petrol prices have already surged significantly in recent weeks. Fuel monitoring app Gaspy indicates the average price of 91 is now above $3 a litre, rising around 20 percent since the start of the month.

Economists are warning the pressure is unlikely to ease anytime soon, with global oil prices continuing to climb amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. There are growing concerns petrol could push even higher, with some forecasts suggesting prices could approach $4 a litre if the situation escalates further.

The war involving Iran has disrupted key oil supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy shipments. That disruption is already flowing through to countries like New Zealand, which relies heavily on imported refined fuel.

For many whānau, the impact is immediate and unavoidable. Higher fuel costs are expected to push up the price of food, transport, and everyday goods, as businesses pass on increased freight and operating costs.

Radio Waatea’s earlier reporting has already highlighted the link between global conflict, fuel supply pressures, and the rising cost of living facing communities across the country.

Today’s on-the-ground feedback reinforces that reality – the issue is no longer theoretical.

From rural regions to urban centres, New Zealanders are now feeling the effects directly at the pump, with growing concern about what comes next if prices continue to rise.