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From the Driver's Seat: Castle Hill

Every Thursday, we're handing the camera over to the people who know our roads best, our drivers. Each week one of the team sends in their favourite shot from a delivery, and we share it here along with a bit about where it was taken and what they were up to.This week's shot comes from Sukhvir, on the road through Castle Hill.Driver: Sukhvir Route/Location: Castle Hill, Canterbury Delivery: Fuel DeliverySukhvir caught this one on a clear day, tanker parked roadside with the Craigieburn Range sti...

From the Driver's Seat: Hampden

Every Thursday, we're handing the camera over to the people who know our roads best, our drivers. Each week one of the team sends in their favourite shot from a delivery, and we share it here along with a bit about where it was taken and what they were up to.This week's shot comes from Manpreet, on a break in Hampden.Driver: Manpreet Route/Location: Hampden, North Otago Delivery: Fuel transportManpreet pulled over for a break in Hampden just as the sky lit up, one of those sunrises that's worth ...

From the Driver's Seat: Waikaia Forestry

Every Thursday, we're handing the camera over to the people who know our roads best, our drivers. Each week one of the team sends in their favourite shot from a delivery, and we share it here along with a bit about where it was taken and what they were up to.This week's shot comes from Cole, delivering to a forestry site near Waikaia.Driver: Cole Route/Location: Forestry site, Waikaia Delivery: Fuel transportCole pulled in alongside the harvesting crew for this one, tanker parked up next to a fr...

Reliable Jet A1 Support for Marlborough Helicopters

Marlborough Helicopters has been flying out of Omaka Airfield in Blenheim for around 40 to 45 years, with the company first established back in the 1980s. Current owners Tom Simon Moar and his business partner have run the operation for the last five years, flying a fleet of two Jet Ranger helicopters and one B2 Squirrel.In this testimonial, Simon explains why Marlborough Helicopters made the switch to RD Petroleum, what changed when a rep turned up on the doorstep with a simpler fuel solution, ...

From the Driver's Seat: Round Hill, Lake Tekapo

Every Thursday, we're handing the camera over to the people who know our roads best, our team out in the field. Each week we share a favourite shot from a delivery, along with a bit about where it was taken and what was going on.This week's shot comes from Nathan, delivering out at Round Hill, Lake Tekapo.Driver: Nathan Route/Location: Round Hill, Lake Tekapo Delivery: Fuel transportNathan caught this one late in the day, tanker parked up beside the shed with Lake Tekapo stretching out behind hi...

From the Driver's Seat: Devil's Staircase

Every Thursday, we're handing the camera over to the people who know our roads best, our drivers. Each week one of the team sends in their favourite shot from a delivery, and we share it here along with a bit about where it was taken and what they were up to.This week's shot comes from Ricky, on the road through the Devil's Staircase, Queenstown.Driver: Ricky Route/Location: Devil's Staircase, Queenstown Delivery: Fuel transportRicky caught this one at dusk, with Lake Wakatipu and the surroundin...

From the Driver's Seat: Rakaia Gorge

Every Thursday, we're handing the camera over to the people who know our roads best, our drivers. Each week one of the team sends in their favourite shot from a delivery, and we share it here along with a bit about where it was taken and what they were up to.This week's shot comes from Mike, crossing the riverbed near Rakaia Gorge.Driver: Mike Route/Location: Rakaia Gorge, Canterbury Delivery: Fuel transportMike caught this one mid-crossing, easing the truck through shallow water on the riverbed...

LPG Gas Bottle Refills & Delivery in Takaka & Golden Bay

If you're searching for LPG gas bottle refills in Takaka or reliable gas delivery in the Golden Bay area, RD Petroleum has you covered. As your local LPG supplier in Takaka at 20 Commercial Street, we offer everything from on-site refilling to residential and business 45kg gas delivery across the Golden Bay region.Whether you're topping up a small bottle for the barbecue or need a scheduled home delivery for your household gas supply, here's everything you need to know about our LPG services....

Aviation Fuel in the South Island: What Pilots Need to Know About Avgas & Jet A-1

Whether you're flying a Cessna out of a rural strip or operating a commercial helicopter service, getting the right fuel at the right location is non-negotiable. RD Petroleum is a CAA Part 19F certified aviation fuel supplier, and we've been expanding our aviation network across the South Island.Here's what pilots and operators need to know about aviation fuel in the South Island....

How Much Bulk Diesel Does a South Island Farm Actually Use? A Seasonal Breakdown

Fuel is one of the biggest operating costs on any South Island farm, but it's also one of the easiest to mismanage. Order too little and you're left scrambling during peak season. Order too much and you're tying up cash in a tank that's sitting half-full in summer.At RD Petroleum, we've been supplying bulk diesel to South Island farms for years, and we know that every operation is different. But there are some useful patterns that can help you plan better....

From the Driver's Seat: Cheeky Kea at Treble Cone

Every Thursday, we're handing the camera over to the people who know our roads best, our drivers. Each week one of the team sends in their favourite shot from a delivery, and we share it here along with a bit about where it was taken and what they were up to.This week's shot comes from Cole, up at Treble Cone, with some unexpected company.Driver: Cole Route/Location: Treble Cone Ski Area, Wānaka Delivery: DieselCole had just parked up for a diesel delivery when a trio of kea decided the top of ...

From the Driver's Seat: Waiau River, Hanmer Springs

Every Thursday, we're handing the camera over to the people who know our roads best, our drivers. Each week one of the team sends in their favourite shot from a delivery, and we share it here along with a bit about where it was taken and what they were up to.This week's shot comes from Chris, on a rural run above the Waiau River, near Hanmer Springs.Driver: Chris Route/Location: Waiau River, Hanmer Springs Delivery: Fuel transportChris pulled over on a high point above the river for this one, wi...

Fuel Efficiency Tips for Farm Machinery and Fleets

Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing costs for any farm or rural business and with tractors, trucks, harvesters, and utes all pulling from the same tank, small efficiency gains add up fast. Here are some practical ways to get more out of every litre....

How to Keep Your Farm Fuel Safe Over Winter

Winter in the South Island is hard on farm equipment, and your fuel storage is no exception. Cold temperatures, condensation, and wet conditions can all affect the quality of your bulk diesel, and a fuel problem during calving or lambing season is the last thing you need.Here's what to watch for, and what you can do about it....

On-Farm Fuel Management: How to Track Usage and Cut Waste

Fuel is a big operating cost on most South Island farms, yet many operations have no system for tracking how much is being used, by which machine, or for what job. That makes it almost impossible to spot waste, identify inefficiencies, or budget accurately.The good news is that basic fuel management doesn't have to be complicated....

Why Using the Wrong Engine Oil Costs You More in the Long Run

Walk into any rural merchant and you'll see a wall of engine oils in different grades, brands, and specifications. With so many choices, and a tendency to just grab whatever's cheapest or most familiar, it's easy to end up with the wrong oil in your machinery.That mistake can be an expensive one....

Which Lubricant Is Right for Your Farm Equipment? A Quick Guide

Fuel gets all the attention, but lubricants are just as important to keeping your farm equipment running well. Using the wrong grade of engine oil, gear oil, or grease can accelerate wear, cause overheating, and lead to expensive mechanical failures.Here's a quick guide to help you get the right lubricant for the right job....

Understanding Fuel Price Fluctuations in New Zealand: What Businesses Should Know

If you're running a business that depends on fuel, whether it's a farming operation, a transport company, or a building contractor, you've probably noticed that your fuel costs can swing significantly from month to month. Understanding why prices move the way they do can help you plan better....

5 Ways a Fleet Fuel Card Saves Your Business Time and Money

Fuel is one of the biggest variable costs for any business that runs vehicles. Whether you have two service vans or twenty, keeping track of what you're spending, and making sure you're spending it wisely, matters for your bottom line.A fleet fuel card is one of the most straightforward ways to get that control. Here's how it works in practice....

RD Petroleum Fuel Card vs. Other NZ Fuel Cards: What's the Difference?

If your business runs vehicles, whether it's a farm Ute, a delivery fleet, or a team of service vans, a fuel card can simplify your life considerably. Instead of staff using personal cards and submitting receipts, a business fuel card gives you centralised billing, detailed transaction reports, and control over what can be purchased.But not all fuel cards are created equal. Here's how the RD Petroleum fuel card stacks up....

Why You Should Use Diesel For Your Home Heating

In New Zealand, heating with diesel becomes more popular every day. Using diesel for home heating can be a smart choice depending on your location, budget, and needs. Here are several reasons why you might consider using diesel for home heating:...

Home Heating Diesel vs. Other Heating Options: What's Right for South Island Homes?

With energy costs and climate conversations front of mind for many New Zealanders, it's worth taking a clear-eyed look at your heating options. Diesel heating isn't rightfor every home, but for many South Island properties, it remains one of the most practical and cost-effective choices.Here's an honest comparison....

How Long Will My Home Heating Diesel Last? A Simple Guide

One of the most common questions we get from home heating customers is: 'How long will my tank last?' It's a reasonable thing to want to know, especially heading into winter when you don't want to run out in the middle of a cold week.The honest answer is that it depends on a few key factors. Here's how to work it out for your home....

When Should You Order Home Heating Diesel in the South Island? (Don't Leave It Too Late)

Every winter, we take calls from homeowners who've run out of heating diesel in the middle of a cold snap. It's a stressful situation, especially with young children or elderly family members at home, and it's almost always avoidable.The simple answer: Order before you think you need to. But let's get a bit more specific....

RD Petroleum Welcomes Two Landmark Additions to Our Fuel Tanker Fleet

At RD Petroleum, we're always investing in the people, technology, and vehicles that keep fuel moving safely and reliably across the South Island. That's why we're proud to announce two major additions to our fleet: a powerful new Scania 650 G-Series and the first-ever Euro 6 Volvo FM 540 fuel tanker in New Zealand.These aren't just new trucks on the road, they represent a step forward in how we deliver fuel to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. Both tanker...