According to sources close to the oil group, BP is talking about a few dozen sites. While for the American giant ExxonMobil the problem is limited to a “small number” of stations involved. Drivers, fearful of running out of water, therefore formed long lines at refueling points, particularly in London and in the south of England, one of the busiest areas in Great Britain.
The various reassurances given by the Conservative government have not done much to improve the situation. In an interview with Bbc, the Minister of Transport, Grant Shapps, said the executive could engage Her Majesty’s army to drive the tankers if it helps.
The shortage of truckers – The UK is estimated to be short of around 100,000 heavy goods vehicle drivers, with the shortage exacerbated by the pandemic and Brexit and which has already had major repercussions on large retailers and catering.
The criticisms – Rod McKenzie, of the Road Haulage Association representing the haulage industry, accused the executive of “inaction” and proposed as a possible very short-term measure to offer “seasonal visas” for foreign truckers.
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