New Zealand motorists are now paying more for petrol than ever before, with the national average prices of 91, 95 and 98 unleaded all sitting above their previous recorded highs.

The price of 91 has continued to rise since hitting a new high of $3.50 per litre earlier this week, while 95 and 98 now trade at record levels.

According to the latest Gaspy data, the national average price of 91 unleaded has reached $3.532 per litre, while 95 has climbed to $3.718/L and 98 has reached $3.866/L.

Gaspy's previous national-average peaks were $3.50/L for 91, $3.66/L for 95, and $3.80/L for 98 during the April spike.

Diesel prices have risen sharply at the same time, although the current national average of $3.232/L remains below its April peak of $3.90/L.

The latest prices put all three petrol grades above the previous national-average peaks recorded during the April fuel-price crisis, according to Gaspy.

The average price of 91 and 95 has increased by 49 cents per litre in the last 28 days, while 98 has increased by 47 cents.

The latest increase means a 50-litre fill of 91 now costs around $176.61, while filling the same tank with 95 costs around $185.91. A 50-litre tank of 98 now costs around $193.31.

The latest increase follows another period of elevated international oil prices, with Brent crude remaining around US$100 a barrel.

A weaker New Zealand dollar is adding to the pressure. Because New Zealand imports refined fuel, a weaker Kiwi increases the local cost of fuel purchased in US dollars, even when the underlying oil price is unchanged.

The Commerce Commission has been closely monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices, publishing regular reports comparing retail prices with the cost of importing fuel.

Its latest report said the conflict had pushed the landed cost of imported fuel to levels not seen for many years.

The latest prices are also set to affect the wider economy. Stats NZ reported that petrol prices increased 27.5 per cent in the year to June 2026, while diesel increased 71 per cent.

Petrol was the largest contributor to New Zealand's annual inflation rate over that period, accounting for almost one-quarter of the overall increase.

91, 95 and 98 petrol hits record high prices in New Zealand

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