British government halts competition laws as 90% of the gas station across the UK have run out of fuel

A dreadful post-Brexit lack of truck drivers in Britain has planted turmoil through supply chains in all aspects from food to fuel, increasing disorders and price growths.

On Monday, At least 90% of British fuel stations ran out across significant cities after panic buying increased a supply chain crisis provoked by a lack of truckers that retailers predict could hit the world’s fifth-largest economy. A dreadful post-Brexit lack of truck drivers in Britain has planted turmoil through supply chains in all aspects from food to fuel, increasing disorders and price growths.

Days after, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government invested millions of pounds to prevent a food shortage due to increased prices for natural gas and carbon dioxide. Ministers constantly requested people to avoid panic buying. However, long lines of cars were seen in petrol stations across the nation on Sunday, consuming supplies and driving several gas stations dry. Gas stations across various cities were shut down, or held signs stating fuel was unavailable, Reuters reporters said.

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“Some of our members, large groups with a portfolio of sites, report 50% are dry as of yesterday, some even report as many as 90% are dry as of yesterday,” Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association, told Sky TV. The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) represents independent fuel retailers, accounting for 65% of UK forecourts.

On Sunday, BP said that almost a third of its British gas stations had run dry of the two primary fuel grades as panic buying pushed the government to halt competition laws and enable companies to work collectively to reduce deficits. Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said the halt would allow companies to share knowledge and organise their activities.

“This step will allow government to work constructively with fuel producers, suppliers, hauliers and retailers to ensure that disruption is minimised as far as possible,” the business department said in a statement.

On Sunday, the government declared a plan to begin interim visas for 5,000 international truck drivers. But business leaders have cautioned the government’s strategy is a short-term solution and will not resolve a severe labour deficit.