Soaring fuel prices push households and businesses to the brink

Rising fuel prices are hitting households and businesses hard across the country. With costs climbing by nearly $20 per fill-up, some drivers are struggling to keep up. The issue has also led to a spike in drive-off thefts, prompting warnings from industry leaders about worsening financial strain. Fuel prices have surged in recent months, driven by global market shifts. In Germany, Super E10 petrol rose by around 2 cents per litre from January (1.731–1.760 €/L) to February (1.752–1.760 €/L), peaking near 1.789 €/L in early March. Diesel followed a similar trend, increasing by 3 cents to 1.717–1.722 €/L. The jump stems from higher Brent crude oil prices, which climbed from below $70 to $80 per barrel due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, including conflicts involving Iran.

Lara Dolan, chief executive of Māngere Budgeting Services Trust, reports a 25% rise in food demand over the past three weeks as families stretch budgets to cover fuel costs. She stressed that price hikes affect everyone, regardless of their situation. Meanwhile, Simon Bradwell of the Motor Trade Association (MTA) warned that drive-off thefts at petrol stations are likely to increase as financial pressures mount. He urged customers not to blame station staff for the rising costs.

Businesses are attempting to soften the blow by keeping prices as low as possible to retain customers. However, the government, while outlining potential triggers for fuel rationing, currently sees no need for stockpiling supplies. The financial squeeze from higher fuel prices is pushing more drivers to extreme measures, with thefts at petrol stations on the rise. As households adjust spending and businesses try to absorb costs, the situation remains volatile. Industry groups continue to monitor the impact while urging patience from frustrated motorists.