Photo: ODT FilesRising fuel prices appear to be keeping some travellers off the roads in the main centres. Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub helped RNZ compile NZ Transport Agency data showing traffic at sites throughout the country. "I think prices have risen even more since then and high prices discourage people from driving, so it's not surprising." "But I think probably too early to make it definitive that you're seeing an absolute switch in activity." But he said the drop in crude oil prices in recent days should help to stop prices from increasing as quickly.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 24, 2026 19:56 UTC