A Socio-spatial Analysis of Vulnerability to Increases in Motor Fuel Costs in Aotearoa NZ

Increases in fuel prices can be driven by a range of factors such as supply chain disruption (e.g. COVID-19 and the 2026 Middle East conflict), general inflation, and changes to government policy settings (e.g climate related emissions reduction policies). Such increases have differential impacts and contribute to social inequity. We calculate a national level index of vulnerability to increases in motor fuel costs at the small area level for Aotearoa New Zealand, drawing on established methods. Those living in “accessible” rural areas near urban centres are more likely to be vulnerable.