18 Dec 2017

Fuel supplies getting back to normal

11:13 am on 18 December 2017

Petrol supply problems are being sorted out faster than expected and most service stations are now set to be fully stocked by Christmas.

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Z Energy said demand was dropping this week as companies start winding down for the holidays. Photo: RNZ

There have been sporadic shortages since September when the pipeline from Marsden Point leaked.

A false alarm that forced a shutdown of the pipeline for 12 hours a week ago has also slowed the flow of fuel.

The three major oil companies - Z Energy, BP and Mobil - have all been left short.

Z Energy spokesperson Georgina Ball said stocks of 95-octane were still low, particularly in the upper North Island, and diesel had been short at some Wellington sites.

Ms Ball said demand was due to drop from Christmas.