Gyles Beckford of RNZ

Inflation surge coming driven by fuel prices

Petrol up a third, diesel nearly doubled in two months

Energy and airfares also higher

Food inflation takes a rest, flat for the month, annual rate lowest in a year

Items make up just under half consumer price index

The price of fuel and transport has skyrocketed while food costs have held steady, in a partial inflation survey.

Stats NZ data confirmed steep price rises for petrol and diesel over the past couple of months as the Middle East conflict broke out, leading to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz.

"In the two months since February 2026, petrol has increased 33.6 percent and diesel has increased 94.9 percent," Stats NZ spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

The world oil benchmark Brent Crude has averaged more than US$100 (NZ$170) a barrel since the start of the conflict.

Domestic airfares increased 4.2 percent, and international airfares increased 6.2 percent in April on the previous month.

"Easter, school holidays, and Anzac…