Petrol prices have risen in every corner of New Zealand this month, but no region has felt the spike quite like Nelson, where 91 has jumped 46c a litre in just over three weeks.
Nelson's average price for 91 had been $2.85 a litre on September 1. By September 24, it had climbed to $3.31, according to Gaspy data, a rise of about 16%.
The region also recorded the biggest single-day jump of any region, with prices rising more than 7c on September 19.
Across the country, the average price of 91 rose 39c, from $3.01 to $3.40. Every region is now above $3.30 a litre. On September 1, only the West Coast had been above $3.10.
Energy analyst David Keat told Breakfast that last time prices increased, there was more stock available. (Source: Breakfast)
Escalating conflicts overseas have pushed up global oil prices. Although prices have eased from their April peak, they remain well above pre-shock levels.
Saudi Arabia shut its East-West oil pipeline, an alternative route around the closed Strait of Hormuz, after it was struck by drones, blamed on Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels have continued to advance, seizing an island that gives them greater power to disrupt shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The strait, at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, carries around 7% of the world's oil.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have added further pressure on global supply.
AA principal policy adviser Terry Collins told 1News earlier this month he could not see relief coming until around the US midterm elections in November, "and maybe even out to Christmas".
Collins said he did not expect prices to return to the highs of April and May, when petrol reached about $3.50 a litre in some places. However, Brent crude oil was currently hovering around US$102 a barrel.
Fastest risers
Bay of Plenty was close behind Nelson, with prices up 44c to $3.36.
Gisborne was third, up 43c. It also climbed the price rankings more than any other region: it had been the fifth-most expensive on September 1 and is now second, at $3.47.
Marlborough and Tasman each rose about 40c. Auckland was next, up 40c to $3.35, and it is now the cheapest of the main centres.
The West Coast had the smallest rise, at 29c. It was also the only region where prices fell in the first week, dropping from $3.21 to $3.16 by September 8.
However, it remains the most expensive place in the country to fill up, at $3.51 a litre, and the only region above $3.50.
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