The New Zealand Government has released its new jet fuel response plan, establishing a four-phase framework to manage potential aviation fuel crises. Under the plan, the Defence Force and emergency services will receive priority access to jet fuel during serious disruptions, with the country currently operating in Phase One which focuses on monitoring supply conditions and industry consultation.

The plan escalates to Phase Four during serious and prolonged disruptions, where fuel allocation would be strictly prioritised for critical and essential services. Aviation Industry Association chief executive Simon Wallace indicated that the Ministry of Transport has provided assurances that jet fuel supply looks stable for the next three months, though questions remain about how smaller aviation operators would be supported under the allocation model during severe shortages.