Fuel companies have said there are a healthy number of ships on the water or planned for later in April. This data will next be updated on the afternoon of March 30.
Finance Minister Nicola said the figures showed “normal” fluctuations in demand.
She said it was not concerning to only have two shipments arriving in the next fortnight, saying it was “within normal patterns of ship arrivals” she said fuel companies assured here they were expecting more ships.
Fuel alert system coming Friday
Willis confirmed she would give an update on New Zealand’s four fuel alert levels on Friday, outlining a framework of what would cause the country to move up the alert system. A move to level 2 would see the first demand restrictions placed on fuel.
“We will give answers to some of the questions that New Zealanders are asking: What is that framework look like? What are the different phases of response that the Government envisages? What would be the triggers to move to additional measures? How would ministers assess that? How would they work with the industry to make those things happen?”
Willis said the announcement would show more detail and next steps. On Monday, she said the Government had got advice on whether a law change would be necessary to trigger demand restrictions.
“There could be scenarios in which fuel orders for New Zealand are disrupted and that is one of the things we will assess,” she said.
On Monday, Willis joined Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones to announce the Government would harmonise some fuel standards with Australia to encourage ships loaded with fuel to stop in New Zealand on their voyage.
“Countries that can access a wider range of shipments are better placed to keep fuel flowing,” Jones said.
Fuel refined to Australian standards was compatible with New Zealand vehicles, Jones said. The fuel also met safety and quality expectations, he added.
New Zealand would not, however, be following Australia’s lead and relaxing standards to allow higher-sulphur fuel, although the Government would monitor whether further changes to fuel specifications could open up further supply channels if necessary.
This arrangement could remain in place for up to 12 months if needed.
On Tuesday, the Government announced a temporary $50-a-week increase to the In-Work Tax Credit, which will go to a little over 140,000 households.
Luxon accepted the Government couldn’t alleviate pressure for everybody but claimed the support package targeted the most “squeezed middle”.
“These are the people that are doing it the toughest.”
Willis acknowledged some people would say it wasn’t enough but she reiterated her focus on controlling inflation.
“We are doing what we can do responsibly.”
The change will not increase the incomes of people on a benefit, which has been controversial.
It was estimated to cost $373 million for the year. Willis has promised the cost would be met within the Government’s operating allowance.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the Government’s support was a “start” but acknowledged “a lot of New Zealanders who won’t get anything” from today’s announcement.
“But for those who are getting a bit of extra support, I know they’ll welcome that.”
He said there was a question over what else the Government may have planned, including what support it could give to superannuants, students and other New Zealand who don’t have children.