Fuel Strike Threat Sparks Petrol Panic in North West and Scottish Borders
Petrol shortages are set to hit the North West and Scottish borders next week as delivery drivers at the Stanlow oil terminal plan to strike over pay. The action could cause chaos at forecourts and disrupt travel for thousands.
Drivers to Walk Out Over Pay Dispute
From June 6 to June 8, then again from June 13 to June 15, delivery drivers employed by fuel logistics firm Oxalis will strike, warning of major fuel supply issues. The strike targets key refineries, threatening supplies for airlines like Jet2 at Liverpool Airport, and major petrol giants Shell, BP, and Esso.
Unite union has sounded the alarm about “significant disruption” across the North West and Scottish borders. Supermarket petrol stations could also face shortages if other drivers refuse to cross picket lines.
“It’s very frowned upon within the industry to cross the line,” a refinery source told the Mail. “The strike is being taken very seriously.”
Pay Gap Sparks Fury Among Oxalis Drivers
The row boils down to pay inequality. Stanlow drivers say they have been offered far less than their counterparts in Thurrock and Birmingham – a difference of around £2 an hour.
Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham blasted Oxalis for treating Stanlow workers like “second-class citizens” and vowed full backing for their fight for equal pay.
Unite regional officer Paul Lomax warned the ongoing dispute risks fuel shortages that will frustrate Oxalis’s clients and customers alike.
Oxalis Responds Amid Talks and Contingency Plans
Oxalis claims it has offered a 19% pay rise over two years but argues any more would threaten the business and jobs. Talks between the company and union continue, with contingency plans ready should the strike go ahead.
Fuel giants BP, Shell, Jet2, and Esso have yet to comment on how the strike may impact supplies and travel.
