Retail NZ is pleased the Government has listened and will consider all food and freight as a priority if New Zealand was to reach Phase 4 of the National Fuel Plan.

The Government has this afternoon outlined how fuel will be prioritised under its Fuel Response Plan, in the event of a prolonged global fuel shortage.

“Retailers will be breathing a sigh of relief that all food and freight will be considered a priority, behind critical life-supporting services, under the revised plan announced today” Retail NZ, Carolyn Young, says.

“The initial draft plan released for consultation did not take into account the complexities of the retail industry, and just how involved the process is to get goods from the border or producer, to retailers and their customers. We’re pleased the Government has listened to industry and simplified the plan.”

Under the revised framework, priority access rules will only be implemented at the most severe level, Phase 4.

In addition, the simplified framework will split the country into just four groupings: critical users (including emergency services, health and schools), food and all freight, commercial and community users (all non-food and freight businesses and organisations), and the general public.

“The Government has reassured us that it is highly unlikely the country will reach Phase 4, which will come as a comfort for retailers and consumers alike. However, it is important this plan is ready to implement if that unlikely situation arises,” Ms Young says.

“This is a big win for retailers, who can now plan with certainty that no matter what happens in the Middle East, the freight services they rely on will be able to get goods to their stores.”

“We are also heartened to hear that fuel supply to the country remains stable, with diesel so crucial for the movement of goods around our country. However, we wanted to remind consumers to continue to just fuel what you need, to ensure our fuel supplies can remain in good health,” Ms Young says.

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