Petrol and diesel go up

Petrol and diesel prices have gone up by five cents a litre at the four major petrol stations, despite the New Zealand dollar reaching a ten month-high against the US dollar.

Petrol companies in New Zealand buy fuel in US dollars on the international market but despite the Kiwi strengthening, prices have gone up by five cents a litre at pumps around the country.

BP, Caltex, Mobil and Shell have all raised their prices and are now selling 91 octane petrol for 168.9 cents a litre and diesel for 106.9 cents a litre.

The Automobile Association keeps track of the cost of importing fuel. AA policy analyst Mark Stockdale said he is not surprised by the increase.

He said the cost of importing fuel has continued to rise and the stronger Kiwi dollar has not been able to off-set those rises.

"The cost of a barrell of oil is approaching $75 and as a consequence, that has flowed on to the imported cost of fuel and is reflected in the pump price," Mr Stockdale said.

He said international analysts were not expecting the international price to rise in the long-term.

"It's the usual ups and downs of commodity prices," Mr Stockdale said.

BP spokesman Neil Green said despite the New Zealand dollar strengthening against the US dollar, it has not been enough to off-set rises at the pump.

Caltex spokeswoman Sharon Buckland and Shell spokeswoman Kylie Reeves said the rises are due to an increase in petrol and diesel on the international market.

Mobil spokesman Alan Bailey said the price rises were due to the increases on the international market and a movement by competitors.

Gull will not be raising prices today but will review their prices tomorrow morning.

Caltex

91 Octane: $1.689 a litre
95 Octane: $1.749 a litre
Diesel: $1.069 a litre

Shell

91 Octane: $1.689 a litre
95 Octane: $1.749 a litre
Diesel: $1.069 a litre

Mobil

91 Octane: $1.689 a litre
95 Octane: $1.749 a litre
Diesel: $1.069 a litre

BP

91 Octane: $1.689 a litre
95 Octane: $1.769 a litre
Diesel: $1.069 a litre

Gull

91 Octane: $1.629 a litre
98 Octane: $1.739 a litre
Diesel: $0.999 a litre

- NZHERALD STAFF