6 September 2002

Govt Must Explain Petrol-Diesel Shortage

"Energy Minister Pete Hodgson must explain why New Zealand's oil stock has reduced by 20 days in a week," National Energy Spokesperson Gerry Brownlee said today.

Mr Hodgson told Parliament last week that New Zealand has an oil reserve of 110 days. Today in newspaper stories his officials say it is three weeks less at 90 days.

"The Minister must explain this 20 day discrepancy and confirm that the Government has a way of guaranteeing what our supply is, should war break out.

"New Zealand is on the end of the oil supply line. At the best of times we are 35 to 40 days away from supply.

"Can the Minister categorically rule out carless days or other measures New Zealanders may have to take due to an oil shortage?

"On the last three occasions that the oil price has topped $30 a barrel the US has sunk into recession. It has gone over $30 a barrel again in recent weeks due to the threat of war between the US and Iraq, and the US stockpiling 700m barrels in their strategic oil reserve.

"I call on the Minister to say what plans he has to ensure the supply of oil to New Zealand," Mr Brownlee said.

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