WELLINGTON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand has updated its national fuel plan to respond to fuel supply uncertainty driven by the Middle East conflict.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis told a press conference on Friday that there is "no need for fuel restrictions" at present, but the government is acting early to ensure the country is well-positioned to respond.
The plan outlines four escalating response phases covering petrol, diesel and jet fuel that respond proportionately to the risks to New Zealand's fuel security. The country is currently at Phase 1.
Phase 1 emphasizes monitoring global developments, easing restrictions like fuel specifications for greater supply flexibility. Phase 2 ramps up government-industry coordination to bolster supply and demand reduction, according to the plan.
The plan allows for stronger interventions at Phases 3 and 4, including prioritizing fuel for emergency services and essential industries should disruption worsen, which are still under consultation.
Decisions to move between phases will be guided by six assessment criteria, including export restrictions from source refineries, changes in national fuel stock levels, or significant distribution disruptions, officials said.
Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones, responsible for fuel security, said at the press conference that the plan was developed by working closely with industry.
"New Zealand has sufficient fuel stocks, but we are planning for potential scenarios where obtaining future supply could become increasingly difficult," said Jones. ■
