Fuel shortages: prices rise and UK calls on army to be ready

The pumps are dry across the Channel. So much so that Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday ordered the military to stand ready to ensure the delivery of fuels to prevent the shortages from continuing. “The deployment of military personnel will provide the supply chain with additional capacity as a temporary measure to help alleviate pressures caused by spikes in localized fuel demand,” thus described Secretary of State Kwasi Kwarteng on Monday.

The crisis began after the leak last week of a confidential report from oil giant BP describing the situation of gas stations closing for lack of fuel. In reaction, the British flocked to gas stations across the country in droves over the weekend, despite government recommendations, creating long lines. Videos of drivers on edge coming to the hands near the pumps are circulating on social networks.

According to the British press, a certain number of employees, particularly in sectors considered to be “essential”, were unable to get to their workplace due to lack of fuel. The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for emergency measures to allow medical staff to refuel on a priority basis so that “NHS staff can do their job.” A message echoed by several political figures, including the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

The government’s decision to rely on the British army comes as the opposition criticizes the government for its laxity in the face of the shortages affecting the United Kingdom after its exit from the European Union, effective since last January. Labor leader Keir Starmer lashed out at executive for leaving the situation “Getting out of hand, despite months of warnings from the industry (…) The consequences of Boris Johnson’s failure to prepare or plan are being felt across our country.”

These shortages have their origin in the lack of truck drivers to transport the storage terminals to the pumps. A problem that affects other sectors, including deliveries of consumer products to supermarkets and restaurants. Successive confinements have indeed encouraged foreign drivers to return to their country, for lack of income or of being able to pass their heavy goods vehicle license for months.

The Brexit came to complicate the situation, new migration rules restricting the movement of workers from Europe, who circulated freely before. London thus resolved at the end of September to reverse its immigration policy and thus grant three-month work visas to alleviate, among other things, this lack of driver.

In a joint statement issued by the British government, the country’s main oil companies, however, assured that consumer panic was the crux of the problem, and not real shortages, which are expected to ease in the coming days according to their predictions. He stays “a lot of fuel in UK refineries and terminals” have insured BP, Shell, Esso and other companies in the sector.

Another consequence of this crisis, prices at the pump reached their highest level in eight years in the United Kingdom. A further rebound is expected, according to the British Automobile Association (AA) as wholesale energy prices continue to rise elsewhere in Europe.