KEY POINTS:
BP this morning raised petrol prices by 5 cents a litre, taking unleaded 91 to 168.9 and diesel to 121.9.
Automobile Association spokesman Mark Stockdale said BP was the first to make the move and it was unclear if other petrol companies would follow suit.
"The Turkey - Iraq situation is having an effect on crude prices," Mr Stockdale said, referring to the massing of Turkish troops on the Iraqi boarder in retaliation for alleged raids by Kurdish troops.
Mr Stockdale said since the beginning of November last year the barrel price of crude oil had risen by 46 per cent and the refined product was up 50 per cent.
"Our dollar has been strong and that's played a part and while it is climbing again, it is not enough to off-set the rise," Mr Stockdale said.
He said New Zealanders are paying 25c more at the pumps than they were last year.
Mr Stockdale said people may change their plans for the approaching holiday season.
"Anecdotally rental companies are saying more families are renting larger vehicles for the holiday season and buying small cars for the run around town.
"It makes good sense. It's a thing we might see more often," Mr Stockdale said.
BP did not return phone calls.
