A Lower Hutt man has raised concerns after witnessing what he believed to be suspicious fuel activity at a local service station, as worries about fuel supply continue amid global tensions.
Martin Peneha told Stuff he was at the Gull station on Eastern Hutt Rd on Monday afternoon when he noticed two individuals filling multiple large barrels positioned on the back of a truck. He estimated there were three 44-gallon barrels, containers typically used for fuel storage, each holding around 200 litres.
Peneha said the situation appeared unusual, claiming the individuals had taken steps to conceal their identities and the vehicle’s number plate. “When you've got someone covering their number plates and having a hood over his head. Yeah, they looked shifty,” he said, Stuff has quoted.
His concerns come as global fuel supply issues intensify, with the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran disrupting major oil shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and driving up international fuel prices.
Peneha said he was “pretty angry” about what he saw, given the amount of fuel being taken.
“When I saw it, I knew it was wrong. It took a couple of seconds to sink in,” he said. “I yelled out, ‘What do you think you are doing?' And he just said ‘sorry?’." “I spoke to another guy there [also], and he saw what was happening too, and he yelled out, ‘Hey, that’s not the right thing to do, you shouldn't be doing that’,” as quoted by Stuff.
He reported the incident to the police, who confirmed they received a call at around 3.50 pm about someone filling barrels with petrol.
According to Stuff, in a statement on Tuesday, police said the caller was informed the activity was not illegal, and no further action was taken. When asked whether authorities were concerned about potential confrontations at petrol stations, a spokesperson said this was not something they were “currently concerned” about.
In New Zealand, regulations limit how much petrol can be stored at home without special certification. The Environmental Protection Authority advises that storing more than 50 litres requires specific approvals under hazardous substances rules to ensure safety.
Despite public concern, official figures show the country maintains fuel reserves equivalent to several weeks of supply. As of March 18, this includes about 49.9 days of petrol, along with diesel and jet fuel stocks.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has said there is no need for motorists to alter their purchasing habits, noting that supply levels remain consistent with normal demand and shipping patterns.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis also sought to reassure the public on Monday.
“Right now there is sufficient fuel that you can go about filling up your car in the usual way. You don't need to change the way that you are doing it,” she said, as quoted by Stuff.
Meanwhile, the government has announced a fuel relief package aimed at supporting 143,000 families with children. From April 7, eligible households will receive an additional $50 per week through a boost to the in-work tax credit. The support will remain in place for one year, or until the price of 91 octane petrol falls below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks.
The changes will also extend eligibility to approximately 14,000 more working families, who will receive the tax credit at a reduced rate.
While New Zealand has not introduced fuel rationing, Slovenia has become the first European Union country to do so in response to supply disruptions. Under the policy, motorists are limited to purchasing 50 litres of fuel per day, while businesses and farmers can access up to 200 litres, Stuff has reported.
Gull New Zealand did not respond to requests for comment.