Fuel prices across New Zealand have begun climbing quickly after global oil markets reacted to rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz in early March.

Crude prices jumped about 7 to 13 percent as the US-Israel-Iran conflict escalated and shipments through the key Middle East shipping route faced disruption risks.

New Zealand imports refined fuel priced off Singapore benchmarks, and those benchmark prices have surged over the past week, lifting import costs for local fuel companies.

Industry commentary notes pump prices can move within days when costs rise, with little structural delay beyond fuel already sitting in terminals or station tanks.

Across the country the change is already showing up on forecourt boards, where the numbers roll over overnight as new deliveries arrive.

Gaspy data today (10/3)

• Unleaded 91: $2.645, up 7.22c over 28 days, +2.81%
• Diesel: $2.096, up 22.69c over 28 days, +12.14%
• Unleaded 95: $2.824, up 8.47c over 28 days, +3.09%
• Unleaded 98: $3.004, up 10.6c over 28 days, +3.66%

Some South Island stations have already pushed 95 octane above $3 per litre, with retailers linking the jump directly to higher refined fuel and shipping costs tied to the Middle East situation.

Analysts say if crude prices remain elevated, or if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces longer disruption, further pump increases could appear over the next week or two.

For the Hibiscus Coast, where many residents commute daily into Auckland, those global movements are now showing up in the price displayed at local forecourts as the international oil market feeds directly into what drivers pay at the pump.

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