Photo: Mark MitchellThe aviation fuel crisis caused by a ruptured pipeline has suddenly become a central issue in a tight election contest, forcing the National Government to scramble in a bid to limit impact to the travelling public and to its own vote. The unexpected headache has the potential to undermine one of National's longstanding claims to being better managers than Labour. Prime Minister Bill English said he was sure there would be more work done on security of fuel supply, after the suggestion of a second pipeline has been rejected as too costly. Other parties have weighed in on the crisis, using it as a chance to promote their own policies. Although the pipeline and fuel are not owned by the Government, security of supply is a Government responsibility, by oversight or regulation.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 18, 2017 20:26 UTC