Gas stations in the UK are now running out of fuel as panic buying and supply shortages continue. Oil and gas giant BP said nearly a third of its 1,200 gas stations in the country have run out of two main grades of fuel, while Shell said it is also struggling to keep up with the increased demand.
People in the UK have been lining up at gas stations for several days, with some having to wait hours to get their vehicles filled. Companies said they are having a hard time resupplying their gas stations because of a lack of drivers and other contributing factors.
"With the intense demand seen over the past two days, we estimate that around 30% of sites in this network do not currently have either of the main grades of fuel," BP said.
Some gas station operators have been attempting to ration supplies, while others have been forced to close down some outlets. In an attempt to mitigate the shortage, the government has temporarily suspended competition laws. This will allow companies to share information and coordinate their supply chains.
UK Business Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said the government is working closely with gas haulers, retailers, producers, and suppliers to help minimize the lack of supply. He added that companies involved in the supply of gas should also work together.
Transport Minister Grant Shapps has appealed to the public to refrain from hoarding fuel. Shapps said panic buying is greatly contributing to the shortage, which would have eventually resolved itself.
Shapps assured the public that there is plenty of fuel to go around and there is no shortage. He added that the only problem is that suppliers simply cannot keep up with the artificially high demand and suppliers are not able to stockpile enough fuel.
"So the most important thing is actually that people carry on as they normally would and fill up their cars when they normally would, then you won't have queues and you won't have shortages at the pump either," Shapps said.
The shortage comes as the UK faces several related issues, including global gas price increases, a shortage of carbon dioxide, and a shortage of truck drivers, which has also affected the nation's retail industry.
