Luxon Assures New Zealand of Fuel Security Through May
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated on April 13, 2026, that fuel importers have assured the New Zealand Government that shipments to the country are secured through May.
- The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the nation's fuel security, asserting that New Zealand is in a strong position even when compared to Australia.
- New data published on April 13, 2026, indicated a slight dip in the country's total fuel stocks.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stated on April 13, 2026, that fuel importers have assured the New Zealand Government that shipments to the country are secured through May. This reassurance comes as the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz persists and peace talks between the United States and Iran have failed.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the nation’s fuel security, asserting that New Zealand is in a strong position
even when compared to Australia. Luxon noted that fuel importers have provided confidence that shipments are secured through the end of May, with some extending into June.
Fuel Stock Levels and Stability
New data published on April 13, 2026, indicated a slight dip in the country’s total fuel stocks. According to the latest snapshot, total cover sat at 59.7 days of petrol, 49.1 days of diesel, and 50.7 days of jet fuel.
These figures represent a decrease from the previous snapshot, which recorded 62.6 days of petrol, 51.7 days of diesel, and 53.5 days of jet fuel. Despite the decline, government officials stated that stocks remained stable and the movements reflect normal patterns. Luxon described the reported dip as very normal
.
The Prime Minister highlighted that fuel companies have adjusted their allocations to ensure demand is supported over the coming weeks, specifically including the Easter period and upcoming school holidays.
National Fuel Response Plan
New Zealand currently remains in phase one of its national fuel response plan. However, Luxon confirmed that the government is continuing to prepare for a transition to phase two should the need arise.
During a post-Cabinet media conference on April 13, 2026, alongside Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones, Luxon explained that recent moves to increase fuel stocks are intended to ensure maximum flexibility if the situation deteriorates within the next two months.
Cabinet has discussed the option of pursuing further commercial opportunities to add to current supplies. Luxon stated that the government’s primary priority is the maintenance of fuel supply, which he described as mission critical to protecting our economy
, warning that a lack of supply would lead to serious impacts to jobs and incomes
.
Global Supply Chain and Geopolitical Context
The New Zealand government remains gravely concerned
by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Luxon noted that the lack of a negotiated settlement continues to cause economic pain and suffering globally.
To mitigate risks associated with the Middle East, refineries in Singapore and South Korea have been identifying alternative crude sources. Luxon stated that this shift is providing increased confidence in the overall system.
The Prime Minister’s statements follow actions by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who traveled to Singapore last week for meetings intended to secure fuel supplies for Australia.
Political Response
The government’s handling of fuel security has drawn criticism from the Labour Party, which has argued that the Luxon administration should be doing more to ensure resilience.
In response to these concerns, the Prime Minister has emphasized that the public should feel reassured that there is a sufficient supply of fuel in the country due to the work already undertaken by the government.
New Zealanders are reassured. They know that there is supply of fuel in the country, and that’s because I think we’ve done some good work on it.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon