The UK government has announced a temporary visa scheme to allow foreign lorry drivers to work in the country until Christmas Eve, aiming to alleviate a shortage that has disrupted fuel deliveries. Around 5,000 visas are expected to be issued, with further details to be released on Sunday.
The shortage has led to panic-buying, resulting in queues at petrol stations and some closures. The government insists there is no fuel shortage at refineries and urges the public not to panic. AA president Edmund King stated that panic-buying, not supply chain issues, is driving the problem, and it should resolve in days if drivers only fill up when necessary.
Police and MPs have appealed for calm, asking drivers to avoid stockpiling fuel. However, the haulier shortage threatens further disruption to petrol, food, and other goods deliveries. Logistics UK estimates the UK needs about 90,000 HGV drivers, with shortages worsened by the pandemic, Brexit, an ageing workforce, and poor working conditions.
Longer-term measures include training more drivers and addressing the backlog of driving tests. Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood suggested training Afghan refugees to fill vacancies. Meanwhile, student paramedic Jennifer Ward reported having to visit five stations to find diesel for her ambulance, though no patient care was delayed.
Petrol station chains have imposed limits: EG Group has a £30 cap per customer on all fuel grades, while BP reported 20 of its 1,200 forecourts closed and up to 100 sites affected by fuel grade shortages. Sainsbury's noted high demand with a tiny proportion of sites temporarily closed.
