Taxpayers’ Union launch “Fuel Clock” to track risk of diesel shortages in real time

The Taxpayers’ Union has today launched a new public tool – the Fuel Clock – to provide real-time insight into the country’s fuel security, amid growing concerns about the risk of diesel shortages.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says the tool was developed in response to increasing unease about the resilience of New Zealand’s fuel supply chain.

“If New Zealand runs short on diesel, the economy will be on its knees. This isn’t about petrol prices or even aviation fuel – diesel is what keeps the country moving. It powers the trucks that stock supermarkets, the tankers that collect milk, and the machinery that underpins our primary industries.”

"While the probability of a major disruption may be low, the consequences would be severe. Even a small risk of a diesel crisis is something policymakers should be taking extremely seriously. Frankly, it’s something our economic team is losing sleep over.”

The Fuel Clock aggregates official Government fuel stock data – released by MBIE twice a week but three days behind – with live international shipping data to provide a more accurate, up-to-date picture of supply levels.

“At the moment, official updates are already out of date by the time they’re published. With so much publicly available shipping data, there’s no excuse for flying blind.”

In addition to fuel stock and shipping data, FuelClock.nz incorporates Government bond signals and prediction market indicators to provide a continuous, independent assessment of New Zealand’s economic and fuel supply risk.

“This is about transparency. Kiwis deserve access to real-time information – not spin, not delays, and not filtered messaging from politicians.”

"While current indicators suggest the situation is stable, the tool is designed to act as an early warning system should conditions deteriorate. Right now, things don’t look too bad. But if that changes, New Zealanders will be able to see it in real time.”

This is the only tool we are aware of that combines fuel tracking with fiscal monitoring which, given the circumstances, are in strong correlation.

The Taxpayers’ Union is encouraging public feedback to improve the platform and expand its data sources.

The Fuel Clock is available at www.FuelClock.nz

Why has the Taxpayers’ Union built the Fuel Clock?