New rules will require fuel companies to hold at least ten days of jet fuel near the country’s busiest airport to provide resilience against supply disruptions.
In 2017, New Zealand experienced severe fuel disruption when a digger ruptured the Ruakākā to Auckland fuel pipeline, impacting more than 270 flights and creating delays as planes were required to pick up fuel at other airports.
The 2019 Government Inquiry into the Auckland Fuel Supply Disruption recommended that fuel companies make investment decisions without delay to provide ten days of jet fuel cover at 80 percent of peak operations.
“For more than seven years, fuel companies have held jet fuel supplies at lower than recommended levels, risking New Zealand’s regional and international connections in times of tight supply,” said Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones.
“Fast forward to today, and industry inaction has left New Zealand vulnerable to the impacts of disruptions to the jet fuel supply. New Zealand is a trading nation far from anywhere else, and we must safeguard our economy against such disruptions.”
Under regulation changes to be introduced later next year, companies must hold ten days of jet fuel at 80 percent of operations near Auckland Airport, with regular reporting requirements to assure that the country is protected and its supply secure.
“We have set a November 2026 deadline to allow enough time for engineering works and to enable fuel companies to act before the busy summer travel season over 2026/27.”
Consultation with the industry has shown this new requirement may be met by an existing option to convert a tank at the Wiri Terminal to hold jet fuel.
“Fuel security is a top priority for this Government, and this action shows we will always put New Zealand’s interests first to keep us flying and connected to the world.”
