Fuel specifications are temporarily easing to be in line with Australia, with the Government taking advice on allowing sulphur-rich fuel into New Zealand should the situation escalate. Announced by Resources Minister Shane Jones on Monday, New Zealand will align fuel standards "enabling fuel developed, refined internationally on its way to Australia, to be made available to New Zealand." While it was not the Government's intention to do so at this stage, it will take advice should the situation change, giving New Zealand an option to expand supply. Fuel companies have told us this could allow them to secure shipments more quickly and from a wider pool of suppliers." Australia itself has eased standards temporarily, the ABC reporting that could mean an increase in sulphur concentration in some of its fuel.

Source: The Guardian March 23, 2026 09:28 UTC