New Zealand Petrol and Diesel Prices - What You Pay For and How to Save - The Definitive Guide
Our guide explains what makes up the price you pay for fuel, how prices have changed over time, and practical ways to reduce your fuel costs. We analyse government data to provide insights to help you save on fuel costs
Updated 1 January 2026
Key Findings
Our guide covers:
Important: This guide is updated whenever significant price changes occur or new MBIE data significantly alters the current situation.
Know This First: How to Pay Less for Fuel
What about AA Smartfuel, Airpoints and other loyalty schemes?
These are worth using if you're going to a major brand anyway - but they rarely beat the independents on total cost. Do the calculations - we can't and won't make a sweeping comment because everyone's fuel needs are different.
Our View: Loyalty schemes are designed to keep you paying more at major brands while making you feel like you're saving. Don't assume anything is cheapest - vouchers and loyalty may still cost more than NPD or Waitomo's everyday price. Check Gaspy first.
Recent observations: Gull's pricing has arguably become less aggressive since the company changed ownership in 2022; they're no longer always the cheapest. NPD and Waitomo have increasingly become the discount leaders in many areas. As always, check Gaspy rather than assuming any brand is cheapest - NPD may, for many, be the 'new' Gull. In late December 2025, NPD and Gull proposed a merger per this RNZ report, which may (or may not) bring down prices with economies of scale.
- Regular petrol's average price was $2.66/L (board price, December 2025)
- Diesel was $1.97/L - 69 cents cheaper than petrol due to lower pump taxes
- 46% of petrol is tax - fuel excise (30%), the GST component, and ETS carbon (4%)
- The diesel tax is just 19% - diesel pays Road User Charges (RUC) instead of excise
- All-time high: $3.14/L - reached 1 July 2022 during the Ukraine crisis
- Annual fuel cost: ~$2,240 for an average driver (850L per year at 2025 prices)
- Premium costs 18c/L more - this is $9 extra per fill, often for (arguably) no benefit
Our guide covers:
- Current National Average Fuel Prices
- What Makes Up the Price You Pay
- Price History (2010-2025) - Regular Petrol and Diesel Annual Averages
- What Fuel Really Costs You Per Year
- Regular vs Premium Petrol - What You Need to Know
- Why NPD, Gull and Waitomo Are Usually Cheaper for Fuel
- Fuel Costs and How They Affect Buying a Car, Car Finance and Car Insurance Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Important: This guide is updated whenever significant price changes occur or new MBIE data significantly alters the current situation.
Know This First: How to Pay Less for Fuel
- Use Gaspy before every fill: It takes seconds to check, and the price difference is typically 15-25 cents per litre. That adds up to $7-12 per fill, or $150-250 per year. Visit Gaspy and download the app.
- Consider using NPD, Gull or Waitomo (if you have them nearby): These are independent retailers consistently undercutting the major brands by 15-30 cents per litre. They don't have the overheads of BP, Z, or Mobil, and they pass those savings on. If there's one near you, use it. A 20c/L saving on two fills per month is $240/year. You can also sign up to NPD's promotions and Gull's discount alerts.
- Use regular unless your car specifically requires premium: Check your fuel cap - if it says "91" or doesn't specify, you're throwing money away on 95 or 98. Premium costs around 18c/L more, which is $9 per fill and $150+ per year for zero benefit. Your engine cannot use the extra octane.
- Stack your loyalty discounts. AA Smartfuel gives you 6c/L off at BP and Caltex. Airpoints Dollars at Z/Caltex. Countdown fuel discounts at Gull and Z. These aren't huge individually, but 6c/L on every fill adds up to $50-60/year.
- Consider your next car's fuel efficiency seriously: The difference between a car that does 7L/100km and one that does 12L/100km is $7,000 over five years at current prices.
- Don't drive across town to save 5 cents: If you're burning half a litre of fuel to save $2.50, you've defeated the purpose. The smart move is finding the cheapest station on routes you're already driving.
What about AA Smartfuel, Airpoints and other loyalty schemes?
These are worth using if you're going to a major brand anyway - but they rarely beat the independents on total cost. Do the calculations - we can't and won't make a sweeping comment because everyone's fuel needs are different.
Our View: Loyalty schemes are designed to keep you paying more at major brands while making you feel like you're saving. Don't assume anything is cheapest - vouchers and loyalty may still cost more than NPD or Waitomo's everyday price. Check Gaspy first.
Recent observations: Gull's pricing has arguably become less aggressive since the company changed ownership in 2022; they're no longer always the cheapest. NPD and Waitomo have increasingly become the discount leaders in many areas. As always, check Gaspy rather than assuming any brand is cheapest - NPD may, for many, be the 'new' Gull. In late December 2025, NPD and Gull proposed a merger per this RNZ report, which may (or may not) bring down prices with economies of scale.
Data Sources
- MBIE Weekly Fuel Price Monitoring - our primary source for all price data (weekly updates)
- Commerce Commission Quarterly Fuel Reports - competition and margin analysis
- MoneyHub Vehicle Report - average annual kilometres driven (10,623 km)
- Waka Kotahi NZTA - Road User Charges information
Current National Average Fuel Prices (December 2025)
Know This: Diesel looks cheaper at the pump, but diesel vehicles pay Road User Charges (RUC) based on kilometres driven, currently around 7.6c/km. Please factor this in when comparing total running costs.
| Fuel Type | Price/Litre | 50L Fill | Tax Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Petrol (91) | $2.66 | $133 | 46% |
| Premium Petrol (95) | $2.84 | $142 | 44% |
| Diesel | $1.97 | $99 | 19% |
Regional Pricing
Fuel prices vary significantly across New Zealand, and not always in the way you'd expect. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive regions can be 30-40 cents per litre - that's $15-20 per fill, or $300-400 per year for a typical driver.
What drives regional price differences:
How to check current prices in your region:
Our View: Don't assume your local station is competitively priced just because it's always been there. Please consider using Gaspy or Pricewatch - they will save you money.
What drives regional price differences:
- Competition: Areas with Gull, Waitomo, or other low-cost independents tend to have lower prices across all brands.
- Transport costs: Getting fuel to remote areas costs more - stations in Fiordland, Queenstown, the West Coast and rural Northland, for example, typically charge a premium.
- Local competition density: A town with one petrol station will charge more than a town with four - this is the law of supply and demand.
How to check current prices in your region:
- Gaspy - This is a free app showing real-time prices at every station, crowdsourced by users. Best for finding the cheapest station near you right now.
- Pricewatch - Shows minimum, average, and maximum prices by region and brand. It's good for seeing the overall price range in your area and comparing what different brands charge. Data comes from actual fuel card transactions, so it's what people are really paying.
Our View: Don't assume your local station is competitively priced just because it's always been there. Please consider using Gaspy or Pricewatch - they will save you money.
What Makes Up the Price You Pay
1. Regular Petrol Breakdown at Current Prices
For every dollar you spend on petrol, around 47 cents goes to the government in taxes (fuel tax, ETS carbon and GST). The fuel company keeps about 17 cents to cover all its costs and profit. The rest (37 cents) is the actual cost of the fuel.
| Component | Amount | % of Price | What It Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil cost | 95.7c | 37% | Singapore refinery price + shipping |
| Company margin | 44.6c | 17% | Transport, distribution, retail, profit |
| Fuel excise | 77.4c | 30% | Government tax for road funding |
| ETS carbon | 9.2c | 4% | Emissions Trading Scheme cost |
| GST | 34.0c | 13% | 15% goods and services tax |
| Total | 260.8c | 100% |
2. Premium Petrol Breakdown at Current Prices
| Component | Amount | % of Price | What It Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil cost | 99.5c | 36% | Higher-octane fuel costs more |
| Company margin | 54.3c | 20% | Larger margin on premium |
| Fuel excise | 77.4c | 28% | Same as regular petrol |
| ETS carbon | 9.2c | 3% | Same as regular petrol |
| GST | 36.1c | 13% | 15% goods and services tax |
| Total | 276.4c | 100% |
3. Diesel Breakdown at Current Prices
Why Diesel Looks Cheaper: Diesel carries almost no fuel excise at the pump (1c/L vs 77c/L for petrol). Instead, diesel vehicles pay Road User Charges based on distance. This system exists because diesel is also used by trucks that cause more road wear.
| Component | Amount | % of Price | What It Is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil cost | 101.9c | 52% | Diesel costs more to import than petrol |
| Company margin | 55.4c | 29% | Transport, distribution, retail, profit |
| Fuel excise | 1.0c | 1% | Minimal — RUC charged instead |
| ETS carbon | 10.5c | 5% | Higher carbon content than petrol |
| GST | 25.3c | 13% | 15% goods and services tax |
| Total | 194.1c | 100% |
Price History (2010-2025) - Regular Petrol and Diesel Annual Averages
1. New Zealand Petrol Price History
Know This: The $3.14/L on 1 July 2022 was driven by crude oil at US$96/barrel plus a weak NZ dollar (0.63 USD/NZD). The government had already cut excise by 25c/L; without that cut, prices would have exceeded $3.40/L.
| Year | Average | Low | High | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $1.79/L | $1.64 | $1.98 | -- |
| 2015 | $1.98/L | $1.73 | $2.12 | -- |
| 2020 | $2.10/L | $1.97 | $2.43 | -7% |
| 2021 | $2.36/L | $2.02 | $2.69 | +12% |
| 2022 | $2.74/L | $2.44 | $3.14 | +16% |
| 2023 | $2.68/L | $2.40 | $3.06 | -2% |
| 2024 | $2.73/L | $2.53 | $2.92 | +2% |
| 2025 | $2.64/L | $2.55 | $2.76 | -3% |
2. New Zealand Diesel Price History
| Year | Average | Low | High | vs Petrol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $1.19/L | $1.07 | $1.34 | -60c |
| 2015 | $1.23/L | $1.06 | $1.34 | -75c |
| 2020 | $1.36/L | $1.20 | $1.67 | -74c |
| 2021 | $1.58/L | $1.26 | $1.90 | -77c |
| 2022 | $2.46/L | $1.73 | $2.99 | -28c |
| 2023 | $2.19/L | $1.92 | $2.43 | -49c |
| 2024 | $2.04/L | $1.79 | $2.22 | -69c |
| 2025 | $1.92/L | $1.82 | $2.03 | -71c |
Petrol Prices at Key Events Globally and in New Zealand
| Date | Event | Regular Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Mar 2020 | COVID lockdown begins | $1.97/L |
| 24 Apr 2020 | COVID lockdown ends | $1.98/L |
| 11 Mar 2022 | Fuel excise cut announced | $3.02/L |
| 1 Jul 2022 | All-time high | $3.14/L |
| 30 Jun 2023 | Excise fully restored | $2.48/L |
| Dec 2025 | Current | $2.66/L |
What Fuel Really Costs You Per Year
- Based on the average New Zealander driving of 10,623 km/year (from our Vehicle Report) and typical efficiency of 8L/100km:
- Know This: The average New Zealand driver spends approximately $187/month on fuel at 2025 prices. High-mileage drivers (20,000+ km/year) spend $350 to $400/month. Our calculation is based on 10,623 km ÷ 100 × 8L = 850 litres per year
| Year | Avg Price | Annual Cost | vs 2020 | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $2.10/L | $1,783 | -- | $149 |
| 2021 | $2.36/L | $2,002 | +$219 | $167 |
| 2022 | $2.74/L | $2,325 | +$542 | $194 |
| 2023 | $2.68/L | $2,276 | +$493 | $190 |
| 2024 | $2.73/L | $2,318 | +$535 | $193 |
| 2025 | $2.64/L | $2,240 | +$457 | $187 |
Petrol vs Diesel - Which Should You Buy?
This is one of the most common questions when buying a car. The answer depends on how much you drive.
Total Cost Comparison (10,000 km)
Our View: For typical driving, petrol and diesel cost about the same. Diesel can be cheaper overall if you drive over 20,000 km/year, tow heavy loads regularly, or have a vehicle with significantly better diesel efficiency.
Total Cost Comparison (10,000 km)
- Petrol: 10,000 km at 8L/100km = 800L × $2.66 = $2,128 total
- Diesel: 10,000 km at 7L/100km = 700L × $1.97 = $1,379 + RUC ($760) = $2,139 total
Our View: For typical driving, petrol and diesel cost about the same. Diesel can be cheaper overall if you drive over 20,000 km/year, tow heavy loads regularly, or have a vehicle with significantly better diesel efficiency.
| Regular Petrol | Diesel | |
|---|---|---|
| Current price | $2.66/L | $1.97/L |
| 50L fill cost | $133 | $99 |
| Tax at pump | 46% | 19% |
| Fuel excise | 77.4c/L | 1.0c/L |
| Road charges | Included in excise | RUC ~7.6c/km extra |
| Typical efficiency | 8L/100km | 7L/100km |
Regular vs Premium Petrol - What You Need to Know
Premium petrol (95 octane) costs 18c/L more than regular (91 octane). That's $9 extra per 50L fill, or about $150/year for an average driver.
When You Need Premium
When Premium is (Arguably) a Waste
Our View: If your car doesn't require premium, you're potentially throwing away $150/year for zero benefit. The engine cannot use the extra octane - it's like buying race tyres for a drive to the supermarket.
When You Need Premium
- Your fuel cap or manual says "95 minimum" or "premium required"
- Your car has a high-compression or turbocharged engine that requires it
- You notice engine knocking on regular fuel
When Premium is (Arguably) a Waste
- Your car says "91 minimum" or doesn't specify
- You think it will "clean your engine" or "improve performance" (it won't)
- The service station attendant recommends it
Our View: If your car doesn't require premium, you're potentially throwing away $150/year for zero benefit. The engine cannot use the extra octane - it's like buying race tyres for a drive to the supermarket.
Why NPD, Gull and Waitomo Are Usually Cheaper
If you've ever wondered why NPD, Gull and Waitomo can sell fuel for 15-30 cents less than BP, Z, or Mobil, the answer is straightforward - they have lower costs and a different business model.
NPD
Gull
Waitomo
Is there a catch?
No - the fuel quality is identical - it all comes from the same supply chain and meets the same government standards. The only practical difference is that you might not get a loyalty scheme, and the stations are often self-service only. If you're fine with pumping your own fuel, there's no reason not to use them.
Our View: The major oil companies have spent decades convincing New Zealanders that their fuel is somehow "better" or that their loyalty schemes offer real value. We're not convinced and argue a 20c/L price difference is worth far more than any points scheme. If there's a Gull, NPD or Waitomo on your regular route, we suggest you consider using it.
NPD
- NPD is a 100% New Zealand-owned family business based in Nelson and operates over 100 sites, primarily in the South Island, with a growing North Island presence.
- Like Gull, they run a low-overhead self-serve model and pass the savings on to customers. They also operate their own fleet of fuel trucks, which helps keep distribution costs down.
- NPD is the only retailer offering 100Plus - New Zealand's first road-legal 100 octane fuel - for those who need high-octane performance.
Gull
- Gull operates primarily uncrewed stations - no attendants, no coffee machines, no convenience stores subsidised by fuel margins.
- They import fuel directly and don't carry the brand premium of the major oil companies. Their stations are basic, but their fuel meets the same standards as everyone else's.
- You're not getting inferior petrol; you're just not paying for things you don't need.
Waitomo
- Waitomo is a New Zealand-owned family business based in the Waikato, with stations primarily in the North Island.
- Like Gull, they keep overheads low and focus on volume, and they've built a loyal following by consistently undercutting the majors.
Is there a catch?
No - the fuel quality is identical - it all comes from the same supply chain and meets the same government standards. The only practical difference is that you might not get a loyalty scheme, and the stations are often self-service only. If you're fine with pumping your own fuel, there's no reason not to use them.
Our View: The major oil companies have spent decades convincing New Zealanders that their fuel is somehow "better" or that their loyalty schemes offer real value. We're not convinced and argue a 20c/L price difference is worth far more than any points scheme. If there's a Gull, NPD or Waitomo on your regular route, we suggest you consider using it.
Are supermarket fuel vouchers worth it, or should I just use NPD, Gull and/or Waitomo?
Calculate your costs for your situation - but in many cases, NPD, Gull and/or Waitomo win. For example, a typical Countdown or New World fuel voucher gives you around 6c/L off at participating stations (usually Z or Gull). That's $3 off a 50L fill. Sounds good - until you realise NPD, Waitomo, or even Gull's everyday price is often 15-25c/L cheaper than the major brands anyway.
This is best explained with an example (with fictional pricing - not current prices or discounts):
The voucher makes sense only if:
Our View: Supermarket fuel vouchers are a classic example of retailers making you feel like you're getting a deal while you're still paying more than you need to - check Gaspy to know what the pricing is in seconds. If there's an NPD, Waitomo or Gull nearby, the everyday price usually beats any voucher.
This is best explained with an example (with fictional pricing - not current prices or discounts):
- Z price: $2.70/L, minus 6c voucher = $2.64/L
- NPD price: $2.45/L (no voucher needed)
- Saving by skipping the voucher and going to NPD: 19c/L = $9.50 per fill
The voucher makes sense only if:
- There's no independent station on your regular route
- You're already shopping at the supermarket anyway (don't spend $100 on groceries just to get 6c off fuel)
- The voucher stacks with a discount day or other promotion
Our View: Supermarket fuel vouchers are a classic example of retailers making you feel like you're getting a deal while you're still paying more than you need to - check Gaspy to know what the pricing is in seconds. If there's an NPD, Waitomo or Gull nearby, the everyday price usually beats any voucher.
Fuel Costs and How They Affect Buying a Car, Car Finance and Car Insurance Costs
1. Fuel Costs and Buying a Car
When buying a car, fuel efficiency has a bigger impact on your overall running cost than most people realise.
Annual Fuel Cost by Efficiency
Annual Fuel Cost by Efficiency
- Choosing a car that does 7L/100km instead of 12L/100km saves you $7,065 in fuel over five years.
- That's money that could go toward a better car or paying off a car loan faster.
| Efficiency | 5-Year Fuel Cost | vs 7L/100km Car |
|---|---|---|
| 7L/100km | $9,890 | -- |
| 8L/100km | $11,200 | +$1,310 |
| 10L/100km | $14,130 | +$4,240 |
| 12L/100km | $16,955 | +$7,065 |
2. Fuel Costs and Car Finance
When calculating whether you can afford a car loan, it's essential to factor in fuel. Many people focus on the repayment and forget the ongoing running costs.
The True Monthly Cost of Car Ownership
The True Monthly Cost of Car Ownership
- Using an example $25,000 car loan over 5 years at 10.95% interest
- Fuel is often the second-biggest ongoing cost after loan repayments.
- If you're stretching to afford a car loan, consider a cheaper car, a more fuel-efficient vehicle or a combination of the two - the savings compound over the loan term.
| Cost Component | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Car loan repayment ($25k, 5 years, 10.95%) | $543 |
| Fuel (average driver, 8L/100km) | $187 |
| Insurance (comprehensive) | $120 |
| Registration + WoF | $25 |
| Maintenance allowance | $80 |
| True monthly cost | $955 |
3. Fuel Costs and Car Insurance
Your annual mileage affects your car insurance costs. Most insurers ask how many kilometres you drive per year because higher mileage means more time on the road and a higher accident risk.
Know This: If you underestimate your mileage and have a claim, some insurers may reduce your payout. Be accurate - but don't overestimate either, as you'll pay more than necessary. Check your last WoF inspection to see your actual odometer change over the past year.
Know This: If you underestimate your mileage and have a claim, some insurers may reduce your payout. Be accurate - but don't overestimate either, as you'll pay more than necessary. Check your last WoF inspection to see your actual odometer change over the past year.
| Annual km | Category | Typical Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5,000 | Very low | Retirees, second car, work from home |
| 5,000–8,000 | Below average | Short commute, urban only |
| 8,000–12,000 | Average | Typical commuter (NZ avg: 10,623 km) |
| 12,000–20,000 | Above average | Long commute, rural, tradespeople |
| Over 20,000 | High mileage | Sales reps, couriers, delivery drivers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is diesel cheaper than petrol at the pump?
It's a tax "timing difference", basically. Petrol carries 77 cents per litre in fuel excise that you pay at the pump. Diesel carries just 1 cent. The difference? Diesel drivers pay Road User Charges (RUC) separately - you buy them in advance based on how far you plan to drive, currently around 7.6 cents per kilometre for a car or small SUV.
This means that a $1.97/L diesel price isn't actually 69 cents cheaper than petrol once you've bought your RUC. For most drivers doing average kilometres, the total cost works out roughly the same. The system exists because trucks (which do serious road damage) also run on diesel, and charging by the kilometre captures their wear and tear better than a flat pump tax would.
This means that a $1.97/L diesel price isn't actually 69 cents cheaper than petrol once you've bought your RUC. For most drivers doing average kilometres, the total cost works out roughly the same. The system exists because trucks (which do serious road damage) also run on diesel, and charging by the kilometre captures their wear and tear better than a flat pump tax would.
Is premium petrol worth it?
Almost certainly not. Check your fuel cap - if it says "91" or doesn't specify, you're throwing money away on premium. Your engine literally cannot use the extra octane.
Our data confirms that premium costs about 18 cents more per litre. Fill up twice a month with 50 litres, and that's $216 per year for zero benefit. Many drivers believe "it cleans the engine," "it runs smoother," or "the guy at the station recommended it" as a justification to use premium. However, our view is that modern engines adjust automatically, and premium provides no cleaning benefit over regular.
The only exceptions are cars that specifically require 95 (usually European performance vehicles and some turbocharged engines). If your manual says "premium required" or your fuel cap says "95 minimum," then yes, use it. Everyone else can save money.
Our data confirms that premium costs about 18 cents more per litre. Fill up twice a month with 50 litres, and that's $216 per year for zero benefit. Many drivers believe "it cleans the engine," "it runs smoother," or "the guy at the station recommended it" as a justification to use premium. However, our view is that modern engines adjust automatically, and premium provides no cleaning benefit over regular.
The only exceptions are cars that specifically require 95 (usually European performance vehicles and some turbocharged engines). If your manual says "premium required" or your fuel cap says "95 minimum," then yes, use it. Everyone else can save money.
What's the best day or time to buy fuel?
We suggest you download Gaspy (it's free) and check prices before you fill up. In most cities, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive station is 10-15 cents per litre. That's $5-7 per fill, or $100+ per year if you're paying attention. The 30 seconds it takes to check the app is worth it.
Should I switch to an EV?
The economics depend entirely on your situation - our guide to EVs explains more.
Overall, EVs may make sense if:
Overall, EVs may make sense if:
- You drive 15,000+ km per year, you can charge at home (flat rate electricity overnight is cheap),
- You're keeping the car for 5+ years to spread the higher purchase price, and
- You don't regularly need to drive long distances in remote areas.
Why do prices vary between stations?
Location, mostly, and operating costs. Gaspy shows you real-time prices - it takes 20 seconds to check before you fill up. The "nearest station" is almost never the cheapest.
Beyond what is listed above, how can I save money on petrol?
This guide was shared on Reddit, and readers contributed tips worth noting. These are unverified and subject to change:
- Thursday is often "discount day": We heard from multiple readers that NPD and Gull tend to drop prices on Thursdays, with nearby competitors matching. Some areas see Wednesday discounts instead.
- Stack Mobil app vouchers with discount days: Mobil's app periodically offers free 15-20c/L vouchers - used on a Thursday when Mobil is already price-matching a nearby independent, this can beat even NPD or Waitomo.
- Waitomo app rewards: The app offers birthday credits, scratch cards, and bonus discounts. Filling up in $20 increments increases the number of "spins" for credit.
- Kora fuel cards at Waitomo: Stacking a Kora card (~10c/L) with Thursday pricing adds further savings.
- Costco fuel (Auckland): Diesel reportedly prices well below the national average at Westgate.
- Driving habits: Smoother acceleration, correct tyre pressure, anticipating traffic flow, and staying at or below 110km/h all improve economy.
Related Guides
- Car Loan Comparison
- Car Insurance Comparison
- New Zealand Vehicle Report (How Long Do Cars Last)
- Electric Vehicle Guide
