Fuel Shortages Reported at Welcome Break Service Stations
Some Welcome Break service stations have experienced fuel shortages, with drivers being warned about empty pumps amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. This development comes as Energy Minister Michael Shanks of the Labour Party has emphasized that there is no need for drivers to panic about a widespread fuel shortage in the country.
Specific Station Affected and Official Statements
On Monday morning, an advisory was issued alerting lorry drivers that the pumps at the northbound Woodall Service station on the M1, located between junctions 30 and 31, are currently out of fuel. Traffic management system INRIX confirmed this report, stating: "No fuel available at the lorry pumps on M1 Northbound at Woodall Services."
A spokesperson for Welcome Break told GB News: "We are currently experiencing stockouts of fuel on a small number of our sites. In the affected forecourts, the team are waiting on their next delivery which may have been delayed for a variety of reasons. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
Government Assurance and Public Guidance
Energy Minister Michael Shanks addressed concerns on Times Radio, urging drivers to maintain normal behavior. He stated: "[Drivers] should do everything as absolutely normal because there is no shortage of fuel anywhere in the country at the moment. We monitor this every single day, I look at the numbers personally. There’s no issue at all with that … People should go about their business as normal. That’s what the RAC and the AA have said. It’s really important people do that. There’s no shortage of fuel and everything is working as normal."
When asked if drivers should reduce speed to conserve energy, Shanks replied: "Look genuinely, people shouldn’t change their behaviour or their habits in the slightest."
Background on the Crisis and Price Impacts
The fuel shortages are linked to the Middle East conflict that began on 28 February, which has led to a surge in wholesale oil and gas prices. Production and transportation of energy across the region have slowed or halted entirely due to missile strikes and drone attacks.
According to the latest data from the motoring organisation RAC, average petrol prices have risen by 9.5p to 144.29p per litre, and diesel prices have increased by 19.7p since the war started, reflecting the broader economic impact of the crisis.
