WELLINGTON, March 23 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will temporarily allow fuel that meets Australian specifications to be supplied domestically to strengthen the country's fuel resilience amid a tight global fuel market, a senior official said Monday.
"This decision removes unnecessary technical barriers and helps ensure New Zealand isn't excluded from the available supply our neighbors across the Tasman are accessing," Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones was quoted as saying in a government press release.
"The change reduces the risk of supply disruptions driven purely by technical specification differences. Fuel companies have told us this could allow them to secure shipments more quickly and from a wider pool of suppliers," said Jones.
Fuel refined to Australian standards is compatible with New Zealand vehicles and safety requirements, the minister noted, adding that the temporary measure may remain in place for up to 12 months. ■