Long queues for petrol as Kiwis brace for price hikes amid Middle East conflict

Kiwis are rushing to fill up their cars across the country amid fears of price increases at the pump because of escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Video sent to the Herald of Waitomo Tinakori petrol station in Wellington today showed a queue of cars waiting for fuel, with vehicles spilling out on to the road.

Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham said there has been a similar increase in demand at stations across the country, with sales increasing by 10-15% this week.

“People are filling up and filling their cars ahead of the price increase that will flow through the market over the coming weeks because of the Iran conflict,” he said.

“What we’re seeing is those people who can are out there buying – and they’ve been buying all week.

“We’ve noticed this week that sales have been up 10-15% … I guess that’s exacerbated today because today is a discount day. People have been waiting to fill up so that’s why you’re seeing queues across all our sites because it’s a great price and one that we may not see for a while.”

Some people brought fuel containers to take advantage of fuel prices, but Parham advised against using unsafe vessels such as milk or fizzy drink bottles.

According to the video, fuel prices at Waitomo Tinakori today were $2.369/litre for unleaded 91 petrol, $2.519/litre for 95 and $1.669/litre for diesel.

Parham said there’s definitely going to be increases in fuel prices, based on the overseas market.

“Looking at the Singapore market over the last couple of nights, increased prices are coming. That’s in the quantum of 10-20c per litre.”

Parham advised customers to “be courteous to other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists”.

“There is plenty of fuel there. Take your time. Maybe try to shop later on in the evening or some of the quieter periods instead of the peak periods, which is driving to work or homeward-bound traffic.

“Also look around. Use [fuel-finding app] Gaspy, understand what the fuel price is, and look for the deals.”

The increased demand comes as New Zealand’s fuel retailers were warned not to take advantage of the conflict in the Middle East by raising petrol prices.

Petrol prices have surged across Australia, with people being urged not to panic-buy.