Acts and regulations
Acts and regulations of Parliament pertaining to the petroleum and fuel industry in New Zealand.
Acts
The Energy (Fuels, Levies and References) Act is the main Act pertaining to the petroleum and fuel industry in New Zealand.
Energy (Fuels, Levies and References) Act 1989(external link)
The distribution and sale of petrol and diesel in New Zealand has been deregulated since 1988. Before then retail prices and margins had been regulated, and fuel quality specifications were set by agreement between government, the oil industry and motor vehicle manufacturers.
The Act makes provision for regulations in relation to fuel quality and related matters, such as:
- specifications for refuelling equipment and vehicle refuelling inlets, and
- provision of information for consumers.
Regulations
Regulations pertaining to the quality of petrol and diesel are comprised according to the best international practices pursuant to the above-mentioned Energy Act 1989.
The current regulations defining fuel parameters are the Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations.
Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations 2011(external link)
Access to test methods referenced in regulations
Standards, including all test methods referenced in regulations, are available for inspection, at no charge, between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm from Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) at Trading Standards within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 15 Stout Street, Wellington 6011. Arrange to view the material incorporated by reference by emailing Trading Standards.
These standards can also be purchased from the following sources:
- ISO Standards can be purchased from Standards New Zealand(external link)
- ASTM Standards can be purchased from ASTM International(external link)
- BS EN Standards and IP Standards can be purchased from bsi.shop(external link)
- Annexes and Articles of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships can be purchased from IMO (International Maritime Organisation)(external link)
Other legislation
Consumer Guarantees Act
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, goods that are normally bought for personal use must be of an acceptable quality, fit for purpose, free of minor defects and be safe. These guarantees also apply to fuel.
Consumer Guarantees Act 1993(external link)
Fair Trading Act
The Fair Trading Act states that companies can’t misrepresent the qualities of a product they sell. This legislation is enforced by the Commerce Commission.