13/03/2026
OIL SHOCK COMING - TRAINS ARE PART OF THE SOUTH ISLAND ANSWER
Oil might not reach the US$200 per barrel level suggested by the Iranian leadership, although it's heading that way. But the chaos and disaster in the Middle East is already causing concern for our energy security.
'Blind Freddy’ can see that we can no longer sit on our hands and hope this problem goes away.
Sensible public policy in the face of the looming fuel crisis means public transport must play a much bigger role in transport in the South Island, with rail needing to be a significant part of that.
Mayors in the regions are worried about the effect increased oil prices are having on transport services for their communities, with increased airfares and reduced air services. The trucking industry, and private travellers are struggling with increased fuel costs. The signs point towards New Zealand’s lack of energy self-reliance being about to cost us dearly."
"International media are reporting that we are potentially two weeks away from a back-to-the-future crisis causing work from home rules, speed restrictions on roads, carless days and other rationing measures. Some of these things are already happening in Asia, where much of our fuel currently originates."
Not so long ago passenger trains linked many South Island towns and cities, and larger centres had efficient bus or tram services. People were able to travel to and from work and education, and keep in touch with families and friends using our various forms of public transport.
The Southerner daily each-way train linked Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill with a dozen other towns, and a regular service ran between Christchurch and Picton - all with reasonable non-tourist prices.
A few months ago nearly 13,000 people signed a petition in just four weeks to bring back this southern rail link, and Parliament is currently considering it. It is time for our leaders to think ahead and get this started.
Trains, even when using diesel, use only a fraction of the fuel per passenger or per tonne of freight needed to transport people and goods, when compared with alternative forms of transport. Trains powered by locally-produced renewable electricity, can significantly cut our dependency on imported fuels.
For both climate and energy independence and sustainability this country needs to reduce imports of fossil fuels. Rail can play a major role is doing this.
