Residents in the East Coast town of Tokomaru Bay have run out of petrol due to the closure of the main route into the town.
State Highway 35 between the small town and Tolaga Bay in the Gisborne district was closed after heavy rain last week caused a slip. The section may not be reopened until next week.
BP communications manager Diana Stretch says petrol will be driven into the town by a longer route through Opotiki, but it will not arrive until Wednesday.
Ms Stretch says BP has not used the route in the past and wanted to check how safe it is before sending drivers out on it.
Transport Agency regional director Jenny Chetwynd says a different inland route bypassing the state highway is being used to get food and essentials to the town but it is not suitable for heavy vehicles.
