New data shows inflation is still above the Reserve Bank's target, with electricity prices surging and economists warning the worst is still to come.

"National promised to fix the cost of living, but they have made it worse. The data shows that prices were rising even before the conflict in the Middle East began, a direct result of this Government’s bad choices,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“They can’t just blame global factors for their failures. Households and businesses are having a much harder time dealing with rising fuel costs now because this Government has failed to get a grip on the rising cost of living.

“The data shows what Kiwis are already feeling, with electricity prices going up 20 percent in two years. It shows rising food costs and more expensive healthcare, which were already getting worse before the war started.

“Bottom line is that New Zealand entered this fuel crisis in a much weaker position than we should have been in, thanks to National’s poor choices.

“Even worse, the Government has no plan to deal with fuel shortages now. They’ve offered no relief for families who need it most. No straight answers for the farmers, truckies, and manufacturers who need diesel to keep this economy moving.

"Dealing with the fuel crisis and helping households and businesses with rising costs should be this Government’s number one priority. Instead, we have a Government that’s making things much worse.

“New Zealand cannot afford another three years of National,” Barbara Edmonds said.