Under it, there is the potential for escalating fuel supply disruption to higher levels, but "minimal current impact on fuel distribution". Level 2: Moderate impact on fuel sectorIn this level, "most" customers are still serviced, but there is a risk of shortages to critical fuel customers. "Critical fuel customers will continue to source fuel from, and be supplied by, their regular fuel suppliers until it is no longer possible or practicable to do so." As well as all the actions seen in lower levels, fuel companies will be required to supply only critical fuel customers and these customers can be serviced by any supplier. Public helpAs well as the fuel escalation process, the National Fuel Plan also notes that the public can be encouraged by the government and the fuel sector to voluntarily reduce fuel consumption.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 17, 2026 03:38 UTC