The economy will now barely grow at all in 2011, because of a "noxious mix" of spiking global petrol and food prices along with the impact of the second Christchurch earthquake, says NZIER.

Petrol prices are on the rise again, hitting their highest level for more than two years. A litre of 91 octane petrol rose 3c to $2.02 and 95 octane rose to $2.11.

There is an extraordinary disconnect between what the experts write about oil prices, and what is likely to happen in the real world.

Petrol prices are likely to remain stable over 2011 but will slowly creep up, say analysts.

Petrol prices are falling at Australian pumps - but oil companies in NZ say motorists shouldn't expect the same here.

Motorists stung an extra 3c a litre of fuel by the new Emissions Trading Scheme will have a lot more to complain about in October, warns the Automobile Association.

Farmers, foresters and others questioned the integrity of the Kyoto Protocol and the theory of global warming at an ETS meeting in Blenheim.

Petrol prices will rise tomorrow as the Govt's ETS hits households and businesses already facing rising costs.