A Woolworths car park has been cleared and a fire and emergency hazmat unit has responded to a strong smell of petrol in Ponsonby.

One witness said the supermarket “reeked of petrol”, similar to a petrol station but stronger.

The witness said shoppers were kept informed about the situation over the supermarket’s intercom and staff had closed the automatic doors leading to the car park while firefighters surveyed the car park areas.

A queue had formed at the base of the escalator down to the car park, but “everyone seemed quite relaxed” the witness said.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said crews were called out to a strong smell of petrol in a car park in Grey Lynn.

Shoppers were seen waiting outside the Woolworths car park. Photo / Oliver Rusden

They said the smell came from an overfilled vehicle which has now been removed from the site.

Two fire trucks responded to the incident alongside a hazmat unit.

The spokesperson said the basement level of the car park has been closed for ventilation.