March 24, 2026

#national: Fuel stock levels remain stable as MBIE continues monitoring supply

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 24, 2026

New figures released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) show New Zealand continues to hold steady fuel reserves, with officials maintaining there are no immediate supply chain concerns despite ongoing global uncertainty.

The latest update, now publicly available through MBIE, confirms the country has just over 50 days of combined fuel cover when accounting for both onshore stocks and fuel shipments already on the way to New Zealand.

Breaking that down further, petrol reserves sit at close to 58 days of supply, diesel at just under 50 days, and jet fuel at around 47 days when including fuel already in transit.

Within New Zealand itself, onshore fuel stocks account for around 30 days of supply across all fuel types, with additional reserves coming from shipments at sea heading toward the country.

MBIE continues to work closely with fuel companies and sector partners under the National Fuel Plan, maintaining oversight of imports and distribution as tensions in the Middle East place pressure on global oil markets.

Despite the international volatility, fuel companies are reporting no significant disruptions to supply chains, and fluctuations in stock levels are being described as part of normal operational cycles as shipments arrive and are processed.

The Government receives updated fuel stock data weekly, with figures published regularly to provide transparency around the country’s fuel security position.

New Zealand remains reliant on imported refined fuels following the closure of domestic refining capacity, making global events a key factor in both supply stability and pricing pressures.

While current stock levels are considered healthy, officials continue to emphasise the importance of ongoing monitoring, contingency planning, and coordination with international partners to ensure supply resilience if global conditions deteriorate further.