Fuel stocks have dropped enough to trigger a National Fuel Plan review, as Labour leader Chris Hipkins questioned the Government’s preparedness

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in-country diesel and petrol stocks remained stable, despite a short term drop in fuel shipments arriving in New Zealand.

A shipping delay had caused a three-day reduction in fuel on the way to New Zealand, triggering a review under the National Fuel Plan. But Luxon said it did not warrant an escalation.

He said there was no need to move to Phase 2 of the plan at this stage.

A shift to Phase 2 would involve closer coordination between Government, fuel companies and agencies to prioritise supply and begin precautionary conservation measures.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins pushed back, saying the Government appeared unprepared as global tensions continued to put pressure on supply.

“Christopher Luxon isn’t being straight with New Zealanders. He still hasn’t explained what happens if shortages hit,” he said.

He said there was a lack of clarity around how the country would respond if fuel supplies worsened.

“National can’t say at what point we move from one stage to another. Kiwis deserve to know what the plan is, but two months into this conflict, there isn’t one.”

Hipkins said recent data showed fuel reserves were declining across petrol, diesel and jet fuel. The figures refer to fuel physically in the country, separate from the volumes still on ships heading to New Zealand.

“This is the second update in a week showing New Zealand’s supply of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel have all gone down. Most alarming, there’s now less than three weeks of diesel in the country, which is critical for the economy.”

He said the situation could have been avoided if earlier infrastructure plans had gone ahead.

“We would have been much better prepared if National hadn’t scrapped Labour’s proposal to build an additional 70 million litres of diesel storage.”

Hipkins said rising fuel costs were adding further pressure to households already dealing with increasing living expenses.

“Families already stretched by rising food, healthcare and energy costs are now facing even higher fuel prices with no relief in sight.

“Dealing with the fuel crisis should be this Government’s top priority. Instead, they’re sitting back and hoping for the best. Hope is not a plan, and it won’t keep fuel flowing for households and businesses.”

Hipkins pointed to overseas responses as an example of stronger action.

“Other countries are already acting decisively. In Australia, they’re pulling out all the stops. Our government needs to step up,” he said.