Hon Simeon Brown
MP for Pakuranga
Minister for Energy
Minister for Auckland
Minister of Local Government
Deputy Leader of the House
Minister of Transport
OIA24-076
Ben
[FYI request #25670 email]
Dear Ben,
I refer to your email dated 8 February 2024, requesting the following under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act):
“…1. Whether any advice has been received about the extent to which fuel prices are
expected to reduce as a result of removing the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax (ie,
whether the reduction is passed on to consumers)? (And if so, copies of that advice)
2. Whether any advice has been received about the use of the Commerce Commission
or MBIE's monitoring and/or existing enforcement powers to ensure that the reduction
is passed on to consumers? (And if so, copies of that advice)
3. Whether any advice has been received about extending the monitoring or
enforcement powers of the Commerce Commission or MBIE to ensure that the
reduction is passed on to consumers, or for any other purpose? (And if so, copies of
that advice)”
There is one document in scope of your request that briefly mentions these matters. No advice
was received on monitoring and/or enforcement powers in relation to the removal of the
Auckland Regional Fuel Tax. The document in scope is being withheld in full under Section
18 (d) of the Act, as the information requested is or will soon be publicly available.
This document will soon be the subject of a proactive release and made available here:
https://www.transport.govt.nz/area-of-interest/revenue/regional-fuel-tax/.
On 16 February 2024, I received advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment (MBIE) on ensuring that fuel companies pass on fuel tax reductions to
consumers.
My officials at MBIE will be monitoring retail prices of all petrol and diesel sold at retail sites
in Auckland as part of its existing weekly nationwide price monitoring. This is published at:
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-and-energy/energy-and-natural-resources/energy-
statistics-and-modelling/energy-statistics/weekly-fuel-price-monitoring/ I will also continue to receive quarterly monitoring reports from the Commerce Commission
on the performance of engine fuel markets in New Zealand. These are published at:
https://comcom.govt.nz/regulated-industries/fuel/quarterly-monitoring-reports
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160 New Zealand
+64 4 817 6804 | [Simeon Brown request email] | www.beehive.govt.nz
You have the right to seek an investigation and review of this response by the Ombudsman,
in accordance with section 28(3) of the Act. The relevant details can be found on the
Ombudsman’s websit
e www.ombudsman.parliament.nz Thank you again for writing.
Yours sincerely,
Hon Simeon Brown
Minister of Transport