New data shows the cost of living continues to get worse – increased petrol and diesel prices are piling more pressure onto households that are already stretched.

“New Zealanders are being squeezed from every direction. Groceries, power bills, fuel, it’s all going up. National promised to fix the cost of living. Instead, it keeps getting worse,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“Meat, poultry, and fish prices are up 7.3% over the last year. Food overall is up 3.4% – outpacing the Government’s meagre minimum wage rise. Costs are climbing faster than families and businesses can keep up with, as petrol has risen 18.6% and diesel is up a staggering 42.6% over the last month.

“Costs were already too high before the fuel crisis. Now it’s hitting the industries that keep the economy moving - farmers, manufacturers, tradies, truck drivers.

“Instead of helping people with the cost of living like they promised, National has made decisions that have left New Zealand more vulnerable and exposed to rising prices.

“This Government is asleep at the wheel as fuel stocks fall and prices keep rising.

“Dealing with the fuel crisis should be National’s top priority. Instead, they’re sitting back and hoping for the best. Hope is not a plan, and it’s leaving families and firms in the dark.

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