Fuel stocks update
Published: 29 April 2026
MBIE publishes the latest information on current fuel stocks every Monday and Wednesday afternoon. Fuel supply remains within normal levels.
On this page I tēnei whārangi
Current fuel stock
Current fuel stock as at 11:59PM Sunday 26 April (as days' cover).
| Stock | Number of ships | Petrol | Diesel | Jet fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-country | 36.4 | 27.5 | 31.8 | |
| On water within EEZ (up to 2 days away) | 4 | 7.2 | 4.6 | 1.7 |
| On water outside EEZ (up to 3 weeks away) | 6 | 9.3 | 14.1 | 15.6 |
| Total NZ stock* | 10 | 52.8 | 46.1 | 49.1 |
*Totals may not sum due to rounding. These numbers represent our data at the time of publication.
The latest update shows national fuel stocks remain stable with sufficient stock levels across petrol, diesel and jet fuel. Stock across all fuel types has increased since the last update.
Stock movements reflect the usual shipping patterns and routine variations we would expect to see even without the conflict in the Middle East. Overall fuel stocks remain well above the minimum requirements, the supply chain is operating smoothly, and fuel is continuing to flow into the country as expected.
Fuel importers have provided good confidence through confirmed orders to mid-June, with planned orders extending into July.
Data will next be updated on the afternoon of Monday 4 May.
Previous fuel stock
Previously reported fuel stock as at 11:59PM Wednesday 22 April (as days' cover).
| Stock | Number of ships | Petrol | Diesel | Jet fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-country | 36.1 | 21.9 | 24.9 | |
| On water within EEZ (up to 2 days away) | 6 | 11.4 | 13.7 | 12.5 |
| On water outside EEZ (up to 3 weeks away) | 4 | 4.4 | 5.7 | 8.4 |
| Total NZ stock* | 10 | 51.8 | 41.3 | 45.7 |
*Totals may not sum due to rounding. These numbers represent our data at the time of publication.
Information about this data
MBIE receives twice-weekly updates from fuel importers. This data is cross-checked against shipping information and aggregated to protect commercial confidentiality.
Days’ cover
The average daily fuel demand used by MBIE to calculate days of cover is:
- 8.1 million litres of petrol
- 10.7 million litres of diesel
- 4.8 million litres of jet fuel.
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
The Exclusive Economic Zone is a boundary that extends 200 nautical miles (370.4 km) off the coast.
On water within EEZ
Fuel is being unloaded from ships, on board ships at berth but not yet unloading, or on ships moving between ports or entering the EEZ from international waters.
On water outside EEZ
Fuel on ships that have left their port of origin but not yet entered New Zealand waters.
Disclaimer
MBIE endeavours, to the best of its knowledge and ability, to ensure the data provided and published is accurate. However, as the data is received from external sources, MBIE does not warrant that it is current, accurate or complete. The data may be changed, deleted, added to or otherwise amended at any time as new information becomes available.
New Zealand is continuing to closely monitor the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East on global fuel markets. While this is a fast-moving situation internationally, fuel supply into New Zealand remains stable and onshore and incoming stocks are sufficient. There is currently no need for New Zealanders to change how they buy fuel.
It is important to remember that fuel supply is inherently dynamic, with stock levels fluctuating week to week as fuel is consumed and new shipments arrive. Changes in stock levels reflect normal patterns rather than supply disruption.
Fuel importers manage their imports in line with demand and minimum stockholding obligations. Fuel companies are providing immediate updates to officials if they are made aware of disrupted supply, and there have been no reports of material issues with future shipments.
MBIE media contact
Email: media@mbie.govt.nz
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/fuel-stocks-update
Please note: This content will change over time and can go out of date.