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Seeking clear and verifiable information regarding the structure of fuel pricing in New Zealand,

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Fuel Pricing, Taxation, Market Structure, and Financial Outcomes – 2026

To whom it may concern,

This request is made under the Official Information Act 1982.

This request seeks clear and verifiable information regarding the structure of fuel pricing in New Zealand, including taxation, revenue allocation, market behaviour, infrastructure control, and financial outcomes associated with current fuel market conditions.

This request is structured to allow cross-referencing of responses across multiple categories to ensure clarity and consistency.

1. RETAIL FUEL PRICE COMPOSITION

Please provide:

a) A current percentage breakdown of the average retail fuel price into:

  • Fuel Excise Duty (FED)
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  • Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) costs
  • Other levies or charges
  • Import or wholesale fuel cost
  • Distribution and retail margins

b) The methodology used to calculate these components.

c) Any analysis showing how these proportions have changed since 2022.

2. FUEL TAX REVENUE

Please provide:

a) Total revenue collected from fuel-related taxes for:

  • 2023
  • 2024
  • 2025
  • 2026 (year to date)

b) Separate totals for:

  • Fuel Excise Duty
  • GST collected from fuel sales
  • ETS-related revenue attributable to fuel

c) Any analysis regarding the relationship between:

  • fuel price increases
  • fuel consumption levels
  • total government revenue received

3. ALLOCATION OF REVENUE

Please provide:

a) A breakdown of how fuel-related tax revenue is allocated, including:

  • National Land Transport Fund
  • General Crown revenue
  • Climate or emissions-related programmes
  • Other funds or agencies

b) Identification of whether revenue is:

  • ring-fenced for specific purposes
  • or redistributed through general government expenditure

c) Any reports or advice discussing the fiscal importance of fuel-related taxation.

4. MARKET STRUCTURE AND PRICING BEHAVIOUR

Please provide:

a) Current assessment of competition within New Zealand’s fuel market.

b) Market share information for major fuel importers, wholesalers, or retailers (where available).

c) Any analysis undertaken since 2024 regarding:

  • retail fuel pricing behaviour
  • price smoothing
  • delayed retail price reductions
  • asymmetric pricing movements
  • excessive margins or windfall profits

d) Any advice or briefings to Ministers regarding:

  • market concentration
  • competition concerns
  • or pricing transparency

5. FINANCIAL OUTCOMES AND BENEFICIARIES

Please provide:

a) Any analysis available regarding profitability or margin performance of major fuel sector participants during 2025–2026.

b) Identification of whether any entities or sectors have materially benefited financially from:

  • increased fuel prices
  • increased fuel tax revenue
  • or supply-related market conditions

c) Any analysis regarding distribution of financial gains between:

  • government revenue
  • fuel importers
  • wholesalers
  • retailers
  • infrastructure owners

6. INFRASTRUCTURE ACCESS AND CONTROL

Please provide:

a) Whether access to key fuel infrastructure, including import terminals and storage facilities, is:

  • open access
  • shared access
  • or controlled by specific entities

b) Any concerns identified regarding:

  • preferential access
  • capacity constraints
  • or barriers to entry for competitors

c) Any changes in ownership or control arrangements since the closure of domestic refining operations.

7. POLICY AND PUBLIC INTEREST CONSIDERATIONS

Please provide:

a) Any advice or analysis regarding:

  • fairness or equity impacts of fuel taxation
  • impacts on households or businesses
  • affordability concerns

b) Any consideration of:

  • fuel tax adjustments
  • rebates
  • pricing intervention mechanisms
  • or windfall profit measures

This request is made in the public interest to support transparency and accountability regarding the operation, taxation, and financial outcomes associated with a critical national market and infrastructure system.

Please confirm receipt and advise if any part of this request requires refinement.

Kind regards,

Laura Holmes
InLandsAirWater Counsel