Fuel Pricing

Shell is constantly reviewing prices to ensure we deliver on our commitment to bring customers the best possible fuel prices and to pass on the benefits of any price decreases.

Like any business though, our pricing must also reflect cost increases. What is paid for fuel at the pump is affected by many different factors, including product costs, government taxes and competition.

We have, where possible, used independent data from agencies such as the Ministry of Economic Development, the International Energy Agency and the Government’s recent review into fuel pricing*.  

The term “fuel price” on these pages refers to the “pump price” – the price that you pay for fuel at the retail station.

* 2007 ACCC report into Australian petrol prices; Review of applicability to the New Zealand petrol market.

What costs does the fuel price include?

The pump price of petrol comprises: government excise and taxes (37%), product cost (57%) and gross margin (6%).

Product cost  (Ex-refinery price)

Cost of buying the finished fuel product (gasoline or diesel) from the refinery, including freight. Product, shipping, wharfage and insurance.

Government excise and tax

Grown Consolidate Fund, National Roads Fund, Accident Compensation Levy, Petroleum Funds Monitoring Levy, Local Authorities Petroleum Tax and GST.

Gross distribution margin: 

Coastal shipping, Terminalling, Road, Transport, Overheads, Administration, Marketing Costs, Retailer Margin, Wholesaler Margin.