Petrol and diesel prices both increased in September 2026, compared with August 2026, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
Petrol prices were up 6.4 percent and diesel prices were up 7.8 percent.
“Supply disruptions that began in late February 2026 contributed to higher fuel prices in March and April,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.
“Petrol and diesel prices then declined through to July, before increasing again in August and September. Although prices in September were above March levels, they were still below the peak recorded in April.”
In the year ended September 2026, prices for these two fuel types also increased – petrol was up 24.3 percent and diesel was up 55.8 percent.
Annual food prices increase 2.4 percent
Food prices increased 2.4 percent in the year ended September 2026, following a 1.9 percent rise in the year ended August 2026.
The largest contributor to the annual increase in food prices was the grocery food group, up 3.0 percent. This was followed by an annual increase in prices for the restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food group, up 3.1 percent. In contrast, fruit and vegetable prices fell 1.8 percent.
In the year ended September 2026, price increases were recorded for meal kits, chocolate blocks, onions, and potatoes.
“Onion prices increased over 86 percent in the year ended September 2026,” Growden said.
“This is the largest annual increase in onion prices since the series began in 2008.”
Price decreases were recorded for tomatoes, fresh eggs, and cabbage.
Monthly food prices flat in September
Food prices recorded a flat movement of 0.0 percent between August 2026 and September 2026. The grocery food group increased 0.7 percent, while the fruit and vegetables group fell 2.7 percent.
In September 2026, price increases were recorded for meal kits, onions, instant coffee, and energy drinks.
Price decreases were recorded for tomatoes, chicken pieces, cucumbers, and capsicums.