Prime minister Boris Johnson says all is well despite driver and apparent fuel shortages. His comments come amid rumours of panic buying and fuel companies saying they’ve been forced to close petrol stations. So, is this the latest example of Boris Johnson’s claims about the advantages of Brexit coming apart?<\/p>\n
The PM famously once claimed that leaving the EU meant \u00a3350 million more per week<\/a> for the NHS. And that Brexit would also allow free ports to be established<\/a>.<\/p>\n When discussing the apparent current fuel shortages on 24 September, a spokesperson for Johnson said<\/a>:<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to restate that there\u2019s no shortage of fuel, so people should continue to buy it as usual. [For] fuel, as in food, we have a very resilient and robust supply chain. So, as I say, people should continue to shop for fuel as usual.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n However, there is some confusion over what exactly is going on. A BP spokesperson said<\/a>:<\/p>\n We are experiencing fuel supply issues at some of our retail sites in the UK and unfortunately have therefore seen a handful of sites temporarily close due to a lack of both unleaded and diesel grades.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Guardian<\/em> reported<\/a> that some Esso stations had also closed. While according to other news sources,<\/a> a national shortage of HGV drivers – rather than a lack of fuel – was the problem.<\/p>\n According to the Huffington Post<\/em>, transport minister Grant Shapps refused to rule out<\/a> using the military to help with the crisis.<\/p>\n There were reports<\/a> of people panic buying fuel. Some reported queues for fuel in their towns and blamed Johnson.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Panic buying! Well done @BorisJohnson<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/RhS8yLKT6X<\/a><\/p>\n — Simon Says (@SimonRe21544444) September 24, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nFuel companies<\/h5>\n
Panic<\/h5>\n
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