A Gull petrol discount caused temporary fuel shortages at some New Zealand sites on March 13, 2026, due to high demand, but reserves and supply chains remained stable.

A surge in demand during a Gull petrol discount promotion on March 13, 2026, caused temporary fuel shortages at about 3% of its sites across New Zealand, including locations in Auckland and Palmerston North, primarily for 95 octane and diesel. The shortages, attributed to panic buying and high demand, overwhelmed the "just in time" fuel supply system, though officials confirmed no systemic disruptions. New Zealand maintained sufficient fuel reserves—32.8 days of petrol and 27.6 days of diesel in storage—and supply chains remained stable, with deliveries continuing normally. Global oil prices rose due to Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz closures, contributing to higher pump prices, but no widespread shortages were reported. Authorities urged against home fuel storage due to safety and insurance risks.