Nelson leads New Zealand as petrol prices surge to record highs
Gaspy data show the price of 91 octane in Nelson rose from $2.85 to $3.31 between September 1 and September 24, a 16% increase. The region also recorded the biggest single-day rise, over 7c on September 19. Nationwide, all regions now exceed $3.30 per litre, with the West Coast remaining the most expensive despite a brief dip earlier in the month.
Across New Zealand, petrol prices have climbed in every area this month, but Nelson experienced the steepest surge, with 91 octane climbing 46c to $3.31 per litre, a 16% rise since the start of September, according to Gaspy. The region also saw the largest one-day jump, more than 7c on September 19. Nationally, the average price of 91 octane rose 39c to $3.40, pushing all regions above the $3.30 mark; only the West Coast stayed above $3.50 despite a short fall earlier in the month.
The price spikes are linked to global oil market pressures, including disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, Houthi advances in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. AA principal policy adviser Terry Collins warned that relief may not arrive until the U.S. midterm elections or even Christmas. Brent crude hovered around US$102 a barrel as the backdrop to New Zealand’s rising pump prices.
How this story developed
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- Sep 23 A cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile, igniting a fire and forcing crew evacuation.
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