- 26 March 2026
Latest Insights from MBIE on NZ Fuel Market
Yesterday, the Mainfreight team joined an MBIE update which provided our industry with the most up to date information and insight to the current fuel market across New Zealand. Please find below a summary of information received, including detail of petrol and diesel stock.26 March 2026 – MBIE Update
- New Zealand fuel supply is currently stable, and our stocks remain healthy.
- There is no need to change how you purchase fuel. Sticking to your usual habits helps keep the system running smoothly for everyone.
- New Zealand has clear, proven arrangements for managing disruptions. We are not yet experiencing the types of sustained supply disruption that would justify emergency measures under the National Fuel Plan.
- Government and industry are working closely to ensure New Zealand is prepared for a range of possible scenarios.
- Introducing fuel rationing or restrictions before there is clear evidence of a genuine shortage won’t create more fuel in the system.
- New Zealand doesn’t have large storage capacity beyond the minimum stockholding requirements, so we rely on regular shipments to keep supply steady. Bringing in restrictions too early can disrupt normal operations and make it harder to keep fuel flowing to essential services when it really matters.
Fuel Stocks Update
As at 11:59PM on Sunday 22 March, the industry confirmed the current fuel stock level as:
Fuel shipments
This table provides a more detailed view of the ‘on-water’ line from the table above. Shipments underway that are on track to arrive in New Zealand in the next three weeks include:
Practical ways to reduce the impact on freight costs
Whilst receiving updates from industry bodies is important, there are also various and proactive ways customers can manage effectively, and at times reduce the impact of rising fuel costs. We are already working with customers who are using these solutions and have provided below a range of strategies being used. Review order and pallet minimums
Setting or adjusting minimum order requirements for customers can improve freight efficiency and reduce costly small shipments, without affecting service levels.Lead Time Management
Allowing more lead time enables use of alternative transport options. Mainfreight offers consolidated rail, coastal, air and sea solutions that can reduce cost per shipment if not already in use.Consolidation
Reduce and limit shipment and consignment frequency through order consolidation. This will likely also increase consignment size which will also provide overall cost benefit.Alternative discharge ports for internationally sourced products
Where feasible, position internationally sourced products near your customer base. Leveraging our domestic infrastructure, we facilitate the delivery of imported goods through our cross docks directly to multiple end destinations. This approach enhances cost efficiency and can improve delivery times to final customers.Connect
Periods of volatility highlight the importance of collaboration. Reviewing shipment profiles, order structures, and delivery requirements with us can uncover opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce overall cost exposure.For further information on this
As always, please reach out to your local Mainfreight representative if you’d like to understand or discuss any of the above solutions.
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