Fuel response plan 2026
On March 26, 2026, the New Zealand government has unveiled details of its fuel crisis rationing plan, specifying priority groups. The updated National Fuel Plan outlines the measures that would be implemented if fuel supplies start running low
Resembling the Covid alert levels, the plan has four ‘phases’. New Zealand is at phase one.
Phase 1: Watchful
The fuel market in New Zealand is operating effectively and fuel is available nationwide. However, prices are rising due to external factors such as global market shifts and supply chain pressures.
This phase is about working closely with fuel importers, distributers and users, and making sure Kiwis have good information about what’s going on so they can make informed decisions about what works best for them.
What the Government will do
- Monitor fuel stock levels and incoming shipments.
- Publish twice-weekly stock updates, so New Zealanders have accurate, up-to-date information on fuel supply.
- Work with fuel companies, airlines, and other key industry players to ensure markets continue to work well.
- Maintain engagement with international partners.
- Review and, if necessary, remove non-essential regulations to allow reduced fuel use where possible (such as changing fuel specifications).
- Understand and prepare to reduce its own demand, in case it needs to do so at Phase 2.
- Provide information to the public, including on how to reduce fuel bills.
What you can do
- Fill up vehicles as you normally would. There is no need to purchase more than you need – this helps to ensure that everyone, including those providing critical services, can access fuel when they need it.
- Stay informed by regularly checking MBIE’s website for the latest information. The Government will provide clear, timely and accurate information to help you make well informed decisions.
- Be aware of EECA information on additional measures that can help save fuel day-to-day
Phase 2: Precautionary
The market continues to operate effectively and fuel is available nationwide, but there are signs of significant supply disruptions. These might include delays in deliveries or limitations on how quickly fuel is restocked in certain areas.
This phase is about closer coordination between Government and industry, shoring up supply, and taking steps to manage demand responsibly, both within the public sector and across the wider community. New Zealanders will continue to receive clear, accurate and timely information.
What the Government will do
- Continue to monitor fuel stock levels and incoming shipments.
- Continue to publish public stock updates twice weekly so New Zealanders have accurate, up-to-date information on fuel supply.
- Work with fuel companies, airlines, and other key industry players to ensure effective regional distribution of fuel.
- Work with international partners to keep fuel flowing to New Zealand.
- Review and, if necessary, remove further non-essential regulations to allow reduced fuel use where possible.
- Implement a dedicated public sector fuel response plan to manage its own demand, ensuring that government services continue to operate effectively while using resources responsibly.
- Provide information to the public on how to reduce fuel bills and conserve fuel in the national interest.
What you can do
- Access fuel as you normally would. There is no need to purchase more than you need – this helps to ensure that everyone, including those providing critical services, can access fuel when they need it.
- Consider combining trips, where it is practical to do so, to make the most of your travel, and consider other modes of transport if they are accessible and available to you.
- Follow EECA guidance on additional measures to help save fuel day-to-day. • Stay informed by regularly checking MBIE’s website for the latest information. The Government will provide clear, timely and accurate information to help you make well informed decisions.
Phase 3: Managed UNDER CONSULTATION
Supply is tighter and the Government is making sure fuel gets where it is needed most. This phase is about using Government powers, developed in close coordination with industry and frontline service providers, to protect critical services.
This phase will be implemented by industry. Measures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.
What the Government may do
- Prioritise uninterrupted supply to all life-preserving services.
- Help direct fuel supply to customers according to priority (e.g. emergency services, hospitals, and water and power infrastructure) so critical providers can access what they need.
- Introduce purchasing limits to keep supply available for everyone, under the following indicative priority bands:
1.Band A: life-supporting services – uncapped supply – e.g. emergency services, courts, corrections, hospitals, lifeline utilities and defence
- Band B: economically-important services – e.g. critical transport services (e.g. road freight for supermarket and grocery supply chains, international air links), food supply and primary production during time-critical periods
- Band C: essential services – e.g. public transport, essential infrastructure maintenance, and rural GPs and district nurses
- Band D: other commercial customers – this comprises all other commercial and business fuel uses
- Band E: general retail sales to consumers.
- Provide regular public updates on stocks, incoming shipments, and what to expect.
- Listen to industry and communities, and adjust the approach as appropriate.
- Regularly assess conditions and try to get back to Phase 2 as soon as possible.
What you can do
- Be confident that ambulances, fire services, hospitals, and food supply chains are fully protected.
- Help by following any purchase limits, only buying what you need, and leaving supply available for others.
- Check the regular updates to understand how long measures will be in place.
Phase 4: Protected UNDER CONSULTATION
There is a bigger or more sustained supply disruption and there are formal rules in place to ensure fuel is distributed fairly. This phase is about protecting critical services, and making sure everyone else gets a share. Measures will be lifted as soon as conditions allow.
What the Government may do
- Prioritise uninterrupted supply to all life-preserving services.
- More strictly direct how fuel is distributed across all other customers.
- Set rules about when and how customers purchase fuel.
- Maintain regular public updates and give clear notice before any changes to the rules.
- Listen to industry and communities, and adjust the approach as appropriate – we would rather adjust quickly than stick to an approach that isn’t working.
- Regularly assess how things are going, and try to get back to Phase 2 or 3 as soon as possible.
What you can do
- Know that essential services like food supply and emergency response are protected
- Use service stations as directed
- Check the regular updates for the current stock position and to understand how long these measures will be in place
https://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/2603/Fuel_Response_Plan_factsheets.pdf
It seems like new strict measures are already in place and have been planned for years. The war in Iran is just another excuse to tighten control over citizens worldwide, as part of Agenda 2030.
No worries, it will be just two weeks to flatten the curve…
DB
