Army and Foreign Drivers Tackle UK Fuel Crisis
Almost 200 servicemen and women, including 100 drivers, are being drafted in to provide “temporary” fuel delivery support. On top of that, up to 300 overseas fuel tanker drivers can start work immediately in the UK until the end of March.
Fuel Shortages Spark Long Queues at Petrol Stations
Long queues have snarled petrol stations across the country this week after a chronic shortage of drivers disrupted fuel deliveries. Ministers insist there’s enough fuel—if drivers buy at normal rates—and say things are improving with more fuel now reaching forecourts than being sold.
Some Areas Still Feeling the Pinch
However, certain parts of the UK remain worse hit. The Petrol Retailers Association, which represents nearly 5,500 of the UK’s petrol stations, reported on Friday that 26% of its 1,100 surveyed sites had no petrol or diesel—only a slight improvement from 27% the day before.
New Visas to Fill Crucial Transport and Poultry Jobs
- Temporary visas granted for 4,700 food haulage drivers, arriving from late October until 28th January 2022
- Visas for 5,500 poultry workers, allowed from late October through to 31st December
These measures aim to ease supply chain pains while the driver shortage crisis is tackled.
