Very strong onions (12 March 2026)

·2 hr·5 clips

A farmer's husband bought a 1500-litre water tank off Facebook Marketplace to store diesel—what could go wrong?

The episode opens with a listener's email about her husband buying a 1500-litre stainless steel water tank off Facebook Marketplace to store diesel, questioning its safety. Marcus engages callers on the risks of improper fuel storage and transportation, with Nigel explaining dangerous goods licence requirements for over 200 litres. Discussion shifts to global oil prices, with Brent crude cited around $100, and concerns about the Strait of Hormuz blockade affecting 20% of global oil. Callers debate historical responses to fuel crises, referencing the 1970s oil shocks when New Zealand reduced speed limits to 80 km/h for 13 years and implemented carless days. Perspectives vary: some callers, like Richard, argue the market will correct quickly, while others fear prolonged disruption. The conversation broadens to include economic impacts, with Andrew noting petrochemical shortages could shut down manufacturing, and Matt sharing data on stock market recoveries post-conflict. Infrastructure failures emerge as a theme, with James detailing how ferry breakdowns in Cook Strait strand his sound equipment business. Later, callers like Darren express frustration over rising living costs and perceived spin, while Graeme speculates on geopolitical shifts, including China potentially seizing Taiwan. The episode concludes with ongoing worries about Iran's guerrilla tactics and the difficulty of policing the Strait of Hormuz.

As heard by us

A fuel-storage query opens into oil prices, caller chatter, and a wary night of preparedness.

A listener's practical diesel query gives this Marcus Lush Nights segment its hook, with the host returning to the same grounded concerns: a 1500 litre stainless steel water tank from Facebook Marketplace, the water already inside it, the risk of sparks, and the awkwardness of…

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Why you'd press play

For when a farm diesel question turns into a wider fuel panic.

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