This Content Is Only For Subscribers
New Zealand’s jet fuel buffer is holding for now, but the system is far more dependent on timing than it looks.
MBIE’s latest data shows the country has 46.8 days of jet fuel cover, including 32.3 days onshore and another 14.3 days still at sea. That’s comfortably above the 24-day minimum requirement, but it also highlights something else: a significant portion of supply hasn’t landed yet.
At Wellington Airport, recent deliveries have supported that buffer locally.
Phil Rennie, external relations manager says, “Wellington Airport has just received another shipment of jet fuel and holds around 40 days of supply,” he says.
He says while there are no signs of immediate disruption, contingency planning is already underway across the sector.
“We are working closely with MBIE and the Ministry of Transport who are developing plans for a worst-case scenario if fuel rationing is required, but we aren’t seeing this yet,” he says.
Infrastructure is another component of the airport’s flexibility and key to its contingency planning.
Phil says, “With a dedicated wharf and large storage facility Wellington Airport is well positioned to continue operating in a reduced supply scenario.”
For now, supply is steady.
“We have not had any reports yet of disruptions in our supply, but we are monitoring closely.” he says.
The planes are still flying- but with nearly a third of the country’s fuel supply floating offshore, the system is only as strong as its next shipment.
