Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that the fuel situation in the UK is beginning to improve, urging motorists to fill up their cars in the 'normal way'. He described the situation at fuel stations as 'stabilising' and expressed confidence that people could go about their business, following days of long queues and pump closures.
However, a government minister has warned that the UK must prepare for potential food and fuel shortages. The warning comes as the country faces a shortage of more than 100,000 lorry drivers, affecting various industries including food suppliers and supermarkets.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has approved a request for 150 military tanker drivers to help deliver fuel. Training for these drivers is expected to take place over the next three days, with first deliveries possible by the end of the week.
The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) reported 'early signs' that pressure at the pumps is easing, with around 37% of its sites out of fuel, down from two-thirds on Sunday. PRA executive director Gordon Balmer noted that regular restocks are likely to improve the situation further in the next 24 hours.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the government's handling of the crisis, accusing it of being in denial and letting the country 'crash from crisis to crisis'. He called for priority for key workers and sufficient visas to address the lorry driver shortage.
