A worst-case scenario has been modelled with, to use Ms Willis’ words, ‘‘heavy caveats’’. Oil tankers anchored in Muscat, near the Strait of Hormuz. Ms Willis stressed yesterday that supplies for Air New Zealand, for both travel and cargo, were nationally critical and non-negotiable. One possible source could be Russia — a country subject to extensive embargos, including of its oil exports, due to its illegal invasion of Ukraine. Storm in a teacup though this might be, the fact that so many were prepared to give it credence is worrying for Mr Luxon.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 16, 2026 16:33 UTC