Pain at the pump as petrol, diesel jump 30c a litre in three weeks

Kiwi motorists are being hit with another sharp rise at the pump, with petrol and diesel jumping nearly 30 cents a litre since the start of September as <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/14/fuel-prices-tipped-to-keep-rising-as-conflicts-squeeze-global-supply/">renewed turmoil in the Middle East</a> threatens any prospect of quick relief. The national average for 91 and diesel have jumped to $3.30 and $3.04 respectively in the past 28 days. Waitomo chief executive Simon Parham said volatility had returned since the start of August, adding about 25 cents a litre to 91 and 35 cents to diesel. "It's pushing us to and above that $3 mark, which is a real mental barrier. Above $3 we start to see demand destruction and volume does soften a bit." Drivers were stretching every dollar and changing how they shopped, he said.