Reference
Last updated: May 2026
New Zealand petrol and diesel prices, and the breakdown of what makes up a litre. Around half of a typical petrol pump price is tax and levies. MBIE monitors national average prices weekly. Pump prices in early to mid 2026 have been elevated and volatile due to global oil supply disruption, so always check a live source for today's price.
Fuel Cost Calculator EV Charging Cost RUC CalculatorIndicative national average pump prices as at May 2026. Prices are unusually high and moving quickly because of global oil market disruption, and they vary by region and retailer.
| Fuel | Approx. price per litre (May 2026) |
|---|---|
| 91 Unleaded | ~$3.10 to $3.40 |
| 95 Premium | ~$3.30 to $3.60 |
| Diesel | ~$3.20 |
A litre of 91 is roughly half product cost and half tax and levies. The main components are:
| Component | What it is |
|---|---|
| Importer cost | The cost of the refined fuel landed in NZ, plus shipping. Moves with global oil prices and the exchange rate. |
| Importer margin | The retailer and importer's gross margin, covering distribution, retailing and profit. |
| Fuel excise duty (FED) | A fixed excise of around 70 cents per litre on petrol, going mainly to the National Land Transport Fund. Diesel does not pay FED; diesel vehicles pay road user charges instead. |
| ETS cost | Emissions Trading Scheme cost passed through on the carbon content of the fuel. |
| ACC motor vehicle levy | A small per-litre ACC levy on petrol that funds the Motor Vehicle Account. |
| GST | 15% GST applied to the total, including on the excise and levies. |
Diesel is taxed differently: it carries no fuel excise duty at the pump, because diesel vehicles pay road user charges (RUC) by distance instead. The Auckland regional fuel tax was removed on 30 June 2024.
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