File photo. Photo: RNZ / Leonard Powell
Fuel sales and profits have risen for Australian fuel company Ampol Group, which owns Z Energy and Caltex in New Zealand.
Ampol's third quarter underlying profit is up 65 percent to $A438.2 million ($NZ476.6m)
The company, which owns Z Energy and Caltex in New Zealand, said total fuel sales volumes rose 26 percent in the September quarter, compared with the year earlier.
Australian fuel sales volume grew by 11 percent, while Z Energy sales volume rose 8.5 percent.
Ampol said third quarter retail fuel margins were hit by volatile oil prices, with prices lagging behind wholesale cost increases.
However, retail margins improved as wholesale prices stabilised.