Help world by saving petrol, says Government

The Government is asking people to car-pool, drive smoothly and try not to use their air-conditioning to help international efforts to ease pressure on the oil market.

Energy Minister Trevor Mallard said that while the Hurricane Katrina disaster had damaged crude oil production and refining capacity in the United States, he did not expect New Zealand to run short of fuel.

"Nor do we anticipate any requirement for any mandatory measures to reduce demand, such as rationing or car-less days," he said.

Petrol prices have risen about a third since January and cracked the $1.50-a-litre mark this week.

Mr Mallard said rationing and car-less days were "last resort measures" which would be considered only in response to a catastrophic disruption to world oil supplies.

"Hurricane Katrina is well short of that level of disruption."

However, the Government is calling on people to reduce or avoid travel by car and has said it will join international efforts to ease pressure on the oil market after the hurricane.

New Zealand is a member of the International Energy Agency, which has recommended that its 26 member countries collectively make 60 million barrels of oil available to the market over 30 days.

Countries with significant oil stocks are planning to release barrels but Mr Mallard said New Zealand did not have surplus stocks and would therefore be constrained in its options.

"Our plan will include low-level action such as voluntary savings and using existing stocks to the extent possible to contribute to this international effort."

The Government held talks with oil companies at the weekend to discuss options.

The companies told the Herald they would co-operate with any Government recommendations. BP and Caltex said they would look at reducing demand, Caltex saying it would do so by curbing promotional activities. "Over the next 30 days restraint is definitely the key word," said brand manager John Kerr.

Government recommendations to save fuel:

* Avoid unnecessary car travel or reduce travel.

* Teleconference for work meetings, work from home, stagger start times to cut traffic congestion.

* Walk, cycle, take public transport or car-pool to get to work.

* Cut leisure travel.

* Drive smoothly and don't speed (100km/h instead of 110km/h can cut fuel bill about 13 per cent).

* Reduce idling time (if you're going to be stationary for more than 30 seconds, switch your engine off).

* Love your car (keep tyres at the right pressure and check wheel alignment, engine timing, air filter and spark plugs).

* Limit use of air-conditioning and rear-window demist.

* Keep your load down.