On Friday morning, some New World and Pak'nSave petrol stations had closed because they were empty and awaiting deliveries. Photo / Jimmy Ellingham, RNZ
By Charlotte Cook of RNZ
Foodstuffs’ petrol stations say they will continue to offer discounts despite stores running dry and operating day to day.
Petrol stations across the country are experiencing a surge of drivers filling up as fuel prices rise amid fears over the Iran war and potential shortages.
Meanwhile, on Waiheke Island, near Auckland, petrol prices have increased ahead of the rest of the country and are close to $4.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said as of Sunday, New Zealand has 41.3 days’ worth of petrol, 47 days of diesel and 49 days of jet fuel but the Government was preparing for the “worst case scenario” from a prolonged conflict.
On Friday morning, some Pak’nSave and New World petrol stores had closed their stations because they were empty and awaiting delivery.
Pak’nSave Kilbirnie in Wellington was out of 95 and 91 petrol, but 98 and diesel were still available.
New World Levin had been waiting for more than two days. Consequently, the Gull station across the road was busy.
Tasman Fuels in Auckland’s Milford was out of supplies on Friday, as were Pioneer New World in Palmerston North and Pak’nSave Hāwera.
A Foodstuffs spokesperson said fuel was available across its New World and Pak’nSave sites and there was plenty of supply.
“The increased demand has meant some sites have temporarily run out ahead of scheduled deliveries.”
Foodstuffs said there were no changes to its fuel discount programme at this time.
“We continue to closely monitor demand and work proactively with our suppliers to maintain continuity at all sites.”
Pak’nSave Kāpiti said it had been without stock but was refilled overnight.
“We’re still operating on a day-to-day basis as demand remains high and our supplier is finding it challenging to keep up.”
Waiheke Local Board deputy chairman Damian Sycamore said Waiheke Island has three stations where 91 petrol is above $3.80 and 95 more than $4.
He said the price increases will impact almost everything people do on the island and will likely result in ferry prices rising.
Sycamore said for those who can’t afford a 40-trip ferry ticket at $700, it will cost over $20 each way for a passenger on the ferry to Auckland downtown.
Overnight, petrol price app Gaspy updated to allow it to remove stores/stations from the site when they have run out of fuel.
– RNZ