From Reality Check Radio (NZ)

A former petrochemical engineer has warned Kiwis to
prepare for potential fuel shortages, claiming the country
could face empty petrol stations within weeks.

NZ Outdoors and Freedom Party energy spokesman Lester
Bryant told RCR that the Government was deflecting
blame over fuel supply risks instead of being upfront with
the public. “The discussion needs to be: what do we do in
the days and weeks that we run out of fuel”, he said.
Federated Farmers board member David Birkett said
maintaining fuel security was critical for farmers, although
demand typically dropped heading into winter, which
could ease short-term pressure. However, he warned that
renewed farming activity in the spring would require more
diesel for freight, agriculture and other essential services.
“Our demand is relatively predictable, but panic buying is
making the situation worse”, he said.
Energy economist Richard Meade said New Zealand should
already be taking steps to reduce fuel consumption,
adding that contingencies to curb fuel use should be rolled
out sooner rather than later. “We are a small player at the
end of a global supply chain, and we need to be doing
more to get through this”, he said.
Cameron Bagrie from Bagrie Economics said, “we are going
to take a hit”, and that the longer the crisis lasted, the
worse it would be for the economy. Bagrie suggested
productivity relief as a temporary solution.
Geotechnician David Bennett told RCR that New Zealand’s
light sweet crude could be refined into diesel in Taranaki
within a year. While most of the 15,000 barrels produced
each day were exported, he said a simple topping facility
could supply domestic needs.He said exploration
remained underdeveloped because of restrictive policies,
despite available on- and offshore opportunities.
Meanwhile on social media, National MP for Southland
Joseph Mooney said that parts of the South Island sit on
more than nine billion tonnes of lignite in 10 major
deposits – containing more than 20 times the energy
content of the Maui gas field.
Check out our energy coverage at
http://www.rcr.media/energy

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