A former Energy Minister says Marsden Point made its own commercial decision to close, but even open, it couldn't alleviate fuel issues.

Iran's put a stranglehold on global supplies, blocking the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israel strikes.

Resources Minister Shane Jones is blaming Labour for the refinery closing.

Megan Woods says even if it was open, that wouldn't get us crude oil.

"Shane was given an option a year or so ago, said - if you're really worried about this, you can spend billions of dollars and you can set up a new refinery in Taranaki. Now he hasn't proceeded with that." 

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