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Driver shortages see service stations running out of fuel
Last week a busy BP service station on the A140 in North Norfolk was temporarily closed and there are also reports of sites in Reading and Berkshire having to close for a period leaving drivers faced with empty petrol pumps.
BP bosses have admitted its petrol stations have been affected by the driver shortage, meaning some of its pumps are empty, but explained that the issue is not due to a fuel shortage. Fuel companies are being hit by driver shortages which are impacting supplies. The shortage of HGV drivers is an already chronic problem in the industry but is being further exacerbated by some drivers being forced to self-isolate after being pinged by NHS Test and Trace.
The Test and Trace issue also necessitated a temporary closure of the BP fuel distribution terminal at Hemel Hempstead with the spokesperson confirming: “We are experiencing fuel availability issues at some of our retail sites in the UK. Our supply chain has been impacted by the industry-wide driver shortages across the UK, exacerbated by a temporary closure of our Hemel Hempstead fuel distribution terminal last week because of necessary Covid-19 isolations among staff impacting our supply chain. Our Hemel terminal is now operating as normal.
“We are working hard with our haulier supplier to deliver fuel into sites and minimise any disruption to our customers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”