Petrol And Diesel Prices Up In March 2026

Petrol and diesel prices both increased from February 2026 to March 2026. Petrol prices were up 18.6 percent while diesel prices increased 42.6 percent, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

The increases in petrol and diesel prices this month were the largest for both fuel types since Stats NZ started publishing monthly price movements for vehicle fuels in July 2011.

The increases follow falls for both petrol and diesel in January and February 2026.

Prices for these two fuel types also increased in the 12 months to March 2026 - petrol was up 13.9 percent and diesel up 36.9 percent.

We collect vehicle fuel prices (for diesel, 91 and 95/98 octane petrol) using a combination of administrative information directly from petrol companies and weekly prices we collect at the pumps. Average petrol and diesel prices are calculated from this data to reflect price changes experienced by households across the country. We compare the average prices for the current month with the average prices for the previous month to calculate the monthly percentage movements.

Domestic airfares down, international airfares up over the month

Domestic airfares decreased 14.4 percent, and international airfares increased 3.5 percent in March 2026 compared with February 2026.

Similarly, domestic airfares dropped 7.3 percent, and international airfares rose 9.8 percent in the 12 months to March 2026.

"Travellers typically book and pay for airfares in advance, so price changes reflect fares that were set up to 12 months ago," prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

Annual food prices increase 3.4 percent

Food prices increased 3.4 percent in the 12 months to March 2026, following a 4.5 percent rise in the 12 months to February 2026.

Higher prices for the meat, poultry, and fish group, up 7.3 percent, was the largest contributor to the annual increase in food prices. This was followed by restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food, up 2.8 percent annually.

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

Price decreases were recorded for olive oil and free-range eggs.

Monthly food prices decrease by 0.6 percent in March

Food prices fell 0.6 percent in March 2026 compared with February 2026. The fruit and vegetables group contributed the most to the monthly decrease, down 2.9 percent, followed by grocery food, down 0.8 percent.

The largest contributors to the monthly fall were kiwifruit, chocolate blocks, cheddar cheese, and beef mince.

Price increases were recorded for boxed chocolates and instant coffee.