British Army tanker drivers could be deployed to deliver fuel where it’s needed most.
A limited number of military tanker drivers in Britain have been put on standby to be deployed if necessary to further ease ongoing fuel supply chain pressures.
The UK government made the announcement on Monday night (27 September) following a major disruption to supply chains recently due to Brexit and a long-term shortage of lorry drivers.
Fuel shortages across Britain are nearing dangerous levels as the lack of HGV drivers, combined with nationwide panic buying, have led to as much as 90% of the nation’s petrol stations running out of fuel.
In a statement, the UK government announced that British Army tanker drivers will be brought to a state of readiness in order to be deployed if required to deliver fuel to where it is needed most.
The military drivers will now receive specialised training before deployment which will enable them to seamlessly work with industry to address the supply chain pressures, the government said.
Tonight, British Army tanker drivers will be put on a state of readiness and deployed if necessary to deliver fuel
While the fuel industry expects demand will return to normal levels in the coming days, it is right that we take this precautionary stephttps://t.co/0jTHYRujXV
— Kwasi Kwarteng (@KwasiKwarteng) September 27, 2021
“While the fuel industry expects demand will return to its normal levels in the coming days, it’s right that we take this sensible, precautionary step,” UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said.
“The UK continues to have strong supplies of fuel, however, we are aware of supply chain issues at fuel station forecourts and are taking steps to ease these as a matter of priority.
“If required, the deployment of military personnel will provide the supply chain with additional capacity as a temporary measure to help ease pressures caused by spikes in localised demand for fuel.”
Meanwhile, UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace added: “The men and women of our Armed Forces stand ready to alleviate the transport pressures where they are felt most. That is why I have authorised their increased preparedness so they are ready to respond if needed.”
Last week, the UK government announced a further package of measures to help ease supply chain pressures.
These included an immediate increase in HGV testing, short term visas for HGV drivers and new skills boot camps to train up to 3,000 more people to become HGV drivers.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
