17094 (2026). Chlöe Swarbrick to the Minister of Finance

17094 (2026). Chlöe Swarbrick to the Minister of Finance: What, if any, are the productivity impacts on the New Zealand economy of the fuel price shock?

Hon Nicola Willis: The relevant economic data is not yet available. However, available evidence suggests that productivity could be adversely affected by higher fuel prices in the short term, particularly where firms scale back activity in response. The magnitude and persistence of any productivity impacts are uncertain and will depend on the severity and duration of the shock, and on how effectively firms and the wider economy are able to adjust.