\u201cOur goal is to be doing enough to source the supply of fuel internationally that that does not become necessary, and by taking sufficient actions in response phases one and two, that we wouldn\u2019t reach phase three and four.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willis also doesn\u2019t expect the Government would need to be \u201cskipping through the response phases\u201d of the alert level framework.<\/p>\n
Petrol, diesel and jet fuel would be able to be treated at different alert levels under the framework.<\/p>\n
On how much warning there would be for alert level changes, Willis said \u201cwe are determined to ensure people aren\u2019t in a situation where things change suddenly overnight in ways that aren\u2019t expected\u201d.<\/p>\n
Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones said there is no immediate fuel shortage, despite South Korea’s protectionism. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead, we are intending to have a framework in which we are transparent about the assessment criteria, where we are clear with New Zealanders when an assessment is taking place, and then we announce the decision of what that assessment is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Companies importing fuel into the country have legislated minimum stockholding obligations (MSOs) that require them to have at least 21 days\u2019 worth of diesel at all times.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat that means is they face fines of millions of dollars if they breach that requirement. That is intended to provide safety and a buffer and we would expect to be notified if there\u2019s any risks of those MSOs being breached, and we haven\u2019t had such notification,\u201d Willis said.<\/p>\n
Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones, who will front Friday\u2019s announcement with Willis, says there\u2019s been no cause for the Government to think there isn\u2019t enough fuel on the water headed to New Zealand shores.<\/p>\n
He said it\u2019s no great surprise that South Korea, where New Zealand gets 51% of its refined fuel from, is discussing whether to keep fuel in-country rather than export it.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouth Korea is a bastion of protectionism and I\u2019m not surprised they\u2019re looking after themselves,\u201d Jones told media on Thursday.<\/p>\n