Can private companies import crude oil into New Zealand?

Marsden Point refinery converted to import-only terminal April 2022. Crude imports largely ceased; refined-product imports dominate. Open market — standard NZ Companies Office registration.

Are refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline) tradeable by private importers in New Zealand?

Open market post-Marsden conversion. Standard business registration. Strict fuel-quality standards (Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations 2011).

Does OilFlow screen counterparties against New Zealand regulations?

Yes. The same rule table shown on this page ships in the Regulatory Matrix API; counterparty checks destined for New Zealand are gated against these rules automatically.

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Regulatory

New Zealand — oil import rules

These are the same rules the Regulatory Matrix API serves for New Zealand-bound trade: which products private parties can move, which run through a government or monopoly route, and which are closed outright.

Open to private trade5

Restricted0

Blocked0

Compiled regulatory guidance from OilFlow Network, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the relevant national regulator before structuring a deal.

Product-by-product

Crude oilALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeMarsden Point refinery converted to import-only terminal April 2022. Crude imports largely ceased; refined-product imports dominate. Open market — standard NZ Companies Office registration.
Refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, jet)ALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeOpen market post-Marsden conversion. Standard business registration. Strict fuel-quality standards (Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations 2011).
LPGALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeOpen market. Domestic LPG production from Maui / Pohokura supplements imports.
LNGALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeNo operating LNG import terminal as of 2026; consenting framework via Resource Management Act.
gasALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeCrown Minerals Act petroleum exploration permits. 2018 offshore-permit ban for new permits remains in effect; existing permits continue.

Frequently asked

Can private companies import crude oil into New Zealand?: Marsden Point refinery converted to import-only terminal April 2022. Crude imports largely ceased; refined-product imports dominate. Open market — standard NZ Companies Office registration.
Are refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline) tradeable by private importers in New Zealand?: Open market post-Marsden conversion. Standard business registration. Strict fuel-quality standards (Engine Fuel Specifications Regulations 2011).
Does OilFlow screen counterparties against New Zealand regulations?: Yes. The same rule table shown on this page ships in the Regulatory Matrix API; counterparty checks destined for New Zealand are gated against these rules automatically.

Use this jurisdiction

These rules ship in the Regulatory Matrix API, from $99/mo. Bank compliance teams hit /api/v1/regulatory/check to gate counterparty intake automatically; subscribers get webhooks on every rule change. Screening a specific counterparty into New Zealand? Run a free check first.