Progress For Fishing Fleet

Oil companies today continue to pump out marine fuel sites around the country and replenish them with fresh diesel.

The commercial fishing industry is being given priority for fresh fuel. Pumping out of boats must occur before fresh diesel can be loaded and the first pump-out of fishing vessels is due to take place at Napier later today.

The oil companies stress that environmental and safety considerations are their first priority and are working alongside all relevant central and local government authorities to ensure this occurs.

A spokesperson said that while the first pump out was welcome news, the logistics of pumping out New Zealand’s entire fleet is complicated and it will be some weeks before all boats can be given fresh diesel.

The order in which individual boats will be refuelled will be set on a priority basis by an independent body.

The oil companies say that for land-based diesel users it is ‘business as usual’. They can continue to use current diesel stocks quite safely as long as filters are replaced at the first signs of clogging. Damage to engines is unlikely.

Oil companies assure their diesel customers that they are working around the clock to clear affected diesel supplies, and they are confident that supplies will return to normal within a month.

ENDS

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