The Labour Party says the Government “is looking increasingly unprepared” as fuel stocks fall and prices at the pump keep rising.
It warns of potential fuel supply issues, with the latest Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment update showing diesel stocks have now fallen to less than three weeks’ cover.
Labour says the Government is “asleep at the wheel” as the crisis bites.
“Christopher Luxon isn’t being straight with New Zealanders – he still hasn’t explained what happens if shortages hit,” Labour leader Chris Hipkins says.
“National can’t say at what point we move from one stage to another. Kiwis deserve to know what the plan is, but two months into this conflict, there isn’t one.
“This is the second update in a week showing New Zealand’s supply of petrol, diesel, and jet fuel have all gone down. Most alarming, there’s now less than three weeks of diesel in the country, which is critical for the economy.”
Hipkins says the situation could have been mitigated if earlier storage proposals had proceeded.
“We would have been much better prepared if National hadn’t scrapped Labour’s proposal to build an additional 70 million litres of diesel storage.
“Families already stretched by rising food, healthcare and energy costs are now facing even higher fuel prices with no relief in sight.
“Dealing with the fuel crisis should be this Government’s top priority. Instead, they’re sitting back and hoping for the best. Hope is not a plan, and it won’t keep fuel flowing for households and businesses.
“Other countries are already acting decisively. In Australia, they’re pulling out all the stops. Our government needs to step up,” Hipkins says.
In response, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says Labour’s claims are misleading and fuel supply remains stable.
“This is irresponsible scaremongering from Labour. Kiwis deserve better. In fact, fuel levels are higher today than they were a month ago,” Brown says.
“Ensuring security of fuel supply is job number one for our government, and we’re getting on with it. There will always be small fluctuations, but fuel importers are reporting no material concerns about shipments or orders.”
