New Zealand fuel costs drop for 2nd month

Alsharq Tribune-Al Otaify 

Petrol and diesel prices in New Zealand fell for a second consecutive month in June, although both remained significantly higher than a year earlier, official data showed on Friday.

Petrol prices declined 4.2 percent in June from May, while diesel prices dropped 12.1 percent, according to the statistics department Stats NZ.

"Fuel prices remained high in June but decreased for a second consecutive month, following increases in March and April," Nicola Growden, spokesperson for Stats NZ prices and deflators, said in a statement.

Annually, petrol price increased 23.6 percent and diesel rose by 57.1 percent in the 12 months to June 2026, according to Stats NZ.

Food prices rose 2.5 percent in the 12 months to June, easing from a 3.2-percent annual increase recorded in May, the department said, adding that all food categories recorded year-on-year increases, led by meat, poultry and fish, which rose 6.2 percent.

Milk prices were a key driver, with prices increasing every month for the last two years, Growden said.

On a monthly basis, food prices increased 0.6 percent in June, driven mainly by fruit and vegetables, Stats NZ said.