Local fuel forecourt says "WE ARE NOT SHORT OF FUEL" in bid to calm panic-buying in the area
Updated: Sep 26, 2021
A local Shell fuel station in Wharton has called for motorists in the area to stop panic-buying, stressing that shortages of delivery drivers in the sector has not affected them.
Motorists have flocked to fuel stations around the UK in a desperate bid to fill up their tanks. Panic-buying at fuel stations has prompted some of the biggest operators to ration fuel.
Large queues have formed at forecourts after BP shut 20 fuel stations and limited supplies at up to 100 more.
However, a spokesperson for Whartons Shell Garage was keen to stress not all forecourts have been affected by the shortage of HGV tanker delivery drivers. A spokesperson said: "We are not short of fuel! We've just had another 36,000 litres delivered this morning, so our current stock levels 'should' last into the beginning of next week, unless everyone listens to the media.
"The main shortage is a driver shortage for BP and Texaco, not fuel. However we are SHELL! Yes ordering fuel is currently trickier to plan... but that's our problem.
"However if everyone listens to the BBC and media, then the UK will have a self inflicted stock-out. Maybe just turn off the TV?"
The panic-buying of petrol and diesel across the UK has prompted London’s black cab industry to request taxis remain on the emergency fuel supply register in the capital should the situation escalate further.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), told members: “Many of you will have seen reports of petrol stations running dry and an impending fuel shortage. Whilst the situation is likely being compounded by the media, leading to panic buying, we are seeing big queues at some stations and it may well escalate.
“During the last major fuel shortage in 2000, the then Mayor, Ken Livingstone, and his deputy Dave Wetzel, had taxis placed on the emergency fuel supply list along with buses, emergency service vehicles etc in view of the vital role licensed taxis play in keeping London moving and providing a fully wheelchair accessible service.
“We have contacted TfL and City Hall to request confirmation that taxis (as an essential service) remain on the emergency fuel supply register from September 2000 and if this is not the case we will be calling for this to be reinstated as a matter of urgency.”
