Transporting New Zealand\u2019s head of policy and advocacy Billy Clemens told the Herald the retail cost of diesel has increased 80% in the past month compared to 35% for 91.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a lot considering standard fuel has a tax excise.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s costing trucking companies a 15 to 20% increase in operating costs … this varies depending on the freight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Z Energy in Auckland’s Silverdale is selling 91 for 7c cheaper than diesel, if motorists use Z Rewards.<\/p>\n
Clemens said they\u2019ve written to the New Zealand Transport Agency to ask for higher pay loads.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re wanting to increase the weight of how much a truck transporting goods [can carry] where safe and appropriate to do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis would mean fewer trips and hopefully less cost handed down to the public.\u201d<\/p>\n
Transport sectors use a fuel adjustments factor to calculate rates, where some companies have already factored in a surcharge.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re encouraging companies to be frank with their customers on why they may see prices at shelves increasing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mobil Oteha Valley on Auckland’s North Shore is charging the same for its discounted 91 grade fuel and diesel. Photo \/ Michael Craig<\/p>\n
AA\u2019s Terry Collins said while diesel has \u201calways been more expensive than 91\u2033, the cost is now being passed onto consumers.<\/p>\n
\u201cDiesel has always been more expensive than fuel, outside of the pump, because it\u2019s harder to extract than 91.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut now the barrel price in say Singapore is $28 a barrel, up from $5 or $6 … this will have a massive impact on the price here.\u201d<\/p>\n
He used a past crisis as an example of how the world will need to \u201creadjust\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen this in 2008, we\u2019ve seen it more recently with the Russia, Ukraine [war] … it\u2019s all followed by recovery.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now, they\u2019ll be figuring out how to source the fuel in other ways.\u201d<\/p>\n