“The moderate price reduction largely reflected competitive pressure. Crude oil prices only reduced very slightly during the month, in contrast with the three cents fall in the exchange rate against the US dollar during the same period. This would normally have resulted in price rises. The outlook for fuel prices is still uncertain with many commentators predicting further weakening of the New Zealand dollar,” says AA Motoring Affairs General Manager Mike Noon.

“After only nine days at the lower price of $1.67 for 91 petrol, it was very disappointing to see the price rise again, and just before the school holidays,” says Mr Noon.

The cumulative increase in fuel prices since the beginning of the year amounts to 31 cents per litre for petrol and 28 cents per litre for diesel.

How to save 30% of your fuel costs

The Government has launched a new website Fuelsaver designed to give motorists up-to-date information on fuel consumption, which could help save up to 30 per cent of fuel costs.

“The Fuelsaver website includes a fuel calculator which works out your annual fuel costs based on the type of car, distance travelled, type of fuel and current retail price, and driving style. The website suggests that by ensuring your tyres are correctly inflated, your car well tuned, your driving style smooth, and your air-conditioning switched off, you could use 30 per cent less fuel,” says Mr Noon.

“The website can also help you if you are considering buying a vehicle by comparing running costs and fuel economy of different new car models, plus a substantial range of Japanese used imports.”

For more information contact

Mike Noon
General Manager – Motoring Affairs
New Zealand Automobile Association
T. +64 4 931 9984
F. +64 4 931 9964
M. +64 21 659 704
E. mnoon@aa.co.nz