Petrol And Diesel Prices Continue To Rise In April 2026

Petrol and diesel prices both increased from March 2026 to April 2026. Petrol prices were up 12.6 percent while diesel prices increased 36.6 percent, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

The increases follow rises for both petrol and diesel in March 2026.

"In the two months since February 2026, petrol has increased 33.6 percent and diesel has increased 94.9 percent," prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

Prices for these two fuel types also increased in the 12 months to April 2026 - petrol was up 30.1 percent and diesel up 91.3 percent. The largest annual increases for both petrol (up 37.7 percent) and diesel (up 95.0 percent) were recorded in the 12 months to June 2022.

Energy prices up over the month

Electricity prices increased 2.4 percent, and gas prices increased 0.3 percent in April 2026 compared with March 2026.

"Electricity prices have been increasing every month from December 2024," Growden said.

Energy prices increased in the 12 months to April 2026, with electricity prices up 13.1 percent and gas prices up 10.8 percent.

Domestic and international airfares up over the month

Domestic airfares increased 4.2 percent, and international airfares increased 6.2 percent in April 2026 compared with March 2026.

"Easter, school holidays, and Anzac Day fell in April this year," Growden said.

"Airfares reflect pricing set up to 12 months in advance, so movements can be influenced by a range of factors."

Annually, domestic airfares fell 6.9 percent, and international airfares fell 6.5 percent in the 12 months to April 2026.

Monthly food prices flat at 0.0 percent in April

Food prices recorded a flat movement of 0.0 percent between March 2026 and April 2026. The grocery food group increased 0.7 percent, while the fruit and vegetables group fell 2.3 percent.

Price increases were recorded for avocados, meat pies, and chocolate blocks.

Price decreases were recorded for kiwifruit, apples, and legs of lamb.

Annual food prices increase 2.6 percent

Food prices increased 2.6 percent in the 12 months to April 2026, following a 3.4 percent rise in the 12 months to March 2026.

All food groups recorded an increase in price between April 2025 and April 2026. Higher prices for the meat, poultry, and fish group, up 7.8 percent, was the largest contributor to the annual increase in food prices. This was followed by restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food, up 2.7 percent annually.

The largest contributors to the annual increase were porterhouse/sirloin steak, beef mince, takeaway coffee, and white bread.

Price decreases were recorded for olive oil and potato crisps.