WELLINGTON, May 11 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand has refined its fuel response plan to emphasize flexibility and simplify rationing measures, as global fuel shortage persists amid Middle East volatility.
The revised plan follows industry consultations and is designed to protect the economy and livelihoods in the event of a prolonged fuel disruption, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told a press conference on Monday.
While current supplies remain stable, the government has strengthened resilience by aligning fuel specifications with Australia, accelerating diesel storage at Marsden Point located in Northland of New Zealand, and securing 90 million liters of diesel, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said in a statement.
Under the updated framework, stricter fuel allocation rules would be introduced only in a worst-case scenario. Priority access for critical users, such as emergency services, health, schools, courts, money services and lifeline utilities, would now be triggered in Phase 4, rather than Phase 3, simplifying earlier proposals.
Phase 3 would instead focus on releasing fuel reserves and voluntary demand reductions by businesses, according to the revised plan.
In a severe disruption, fuel would be prioritized for essential services, food supply chains and freight, while the general public could face limits at fuel pumps.
"Modelled scenarios indicate that it is highly unlikely we would ever get to Phase 3 or 4 of the fuel response plan," but preparedness remains necessary given global uncertainty, Willis said.
The fuel response plan has four escalating phases for supply disruptions. Early phases emphasize monitoring, coordination and voluntary savings, while later ones add stronger demand cuts and supply measures. ■