Motorists in Auckland are buying petrol containers quickly as they worry that fuel prices will keep rising. Auto stores across the city have sold out of the cans because many drivers want to buy cheaper fuel before prices go up further. Workers at several Supercheap Auto shops said new stock disappeared very fast. At one store in Westgate, a fresh delivery sold out on the same day, and one customer bought five 20-litre diesel containers.
People are also worried that some petrol stations may run out of fuel. Several Gull stations have already run dry for the second time in three days because of very high demand. At some stations in Auckland, signs have been put up saying there is no fuel. One station in Epsom even told customers that petrol containers were not allowed.
The rise in prices is linked to conflict in the Middle East. Petrol has gone above $3 a litre in some places, which has made many drivers anxious. The Strait of Hormuz, an important route for oil tankers, has been badly affected by the fighting. About one fifth of the world’s oil usually passes through that area, so problems there can affect fuel prices around the world.
Gull said it still has enough fuel at its terminal and is working hard to restock stations. The company explained that demand has risen by more than 15 percent, which has made deliveries more difficult. New Zealand’s most recent fuel stock report said the country had 52 days of petrol, diesel and jet fuel available. Even so, many Auckland drivers are trying to fill up early in case prices rise again.
