UK Petrol Stations Experience Growing Queues as Some Forecourts Run Dry
Queues are beginning to form at petrol stations across the United Kingdom, with some forecourts reportedly running dry. This development comes amid growing fears of price rises linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has sparked concerns among motorists and industry experts alike.
Reports of Fuel Shortages and Long Queues
Photographs from the capital city show motorists backed up in lengthy queues at various petrol stations. The situation has affected a range of outlets, including Costco stores and independent garages. For instance, the Valero Garage in Beckenham, south London, completely ran out of petrol on Monday evening after dozens of locals rushed to fill their tanks.
Signs reading 'Sorry out of use' were also spotted at the nearby BP fuel station in Croydon, indicating similar shortages. Big queues have been reported at Costco locations, such as in Vauxhall, while other petrol stations in Greater Manchester and Liverpool are also plagued by heavy traffic as drivers seek to refuel.
Industry and Political Responses
Despite the queues, the AA has issued a warning to motorists, urging them not to panic buy. In a statement on Monday, the organization emphasized that there is no need for widespread concern, though localised shortages may occur. However, the political sphere has reacted with alarm. SNP economy spokesperson Dave Doogan warned that families and businesses are already bracing for higher fuel costs following deadly military strikes involving the US and Israel.
Mr Doogan has called on the Chancellor to abandon planned tax rises, stating that drivers face what he termed a "devastating double hit." Speaking ahead of the Spring Statement, he added: "Oil prices are already spiking, the last thing motorists and businesses now need is another damaging tax hike from the Labour Party. The Chancellor needs to see sense, recognise what is unfolding globally, and immediately scrap her plans to hike prices at pumps."
Expert Analysis on Global Implications
Experts have weighed in on the potential global impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel markets. Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project, highlighted the risks: "Closure of the Strait of Hormuz would disrupt roughly a fifth of globally traded oil overnight – and prices wouldn't just spike, they would gap violently upward on fear alone. The shock would reverberate far beyond energy markets, tightening financial conditions, fuelling inflation and pushing fragile economies closer to recession in a matter of weeks."
Neil Wilson of Saxo Markets added: "We are a long way off 2022 in terms of pricing but if LNG to Europe is effectively shut via Hormuz for a prolonged period we could see chaos. I am much more concerned about European natural gas prices than oil prices."
Military Tensions Escalate
Adding to the uncertainty, Sardar Jabbari, a senior commander of the country's military, issued a warning on Monday: "The Americans have moved most of their aircraft to Cyprus. We will launch missiles at Cyprus with such intensity that the Americans will be forced to leave the island." This statement underscores the volatile nature of the geopolitical situation, which continues to influence fuel supply chains and market stability.
As queues persist and some forecourts run dry, the UK faces a challenging period for fuel availability, driven by international tensions and domestic policy debates. Motorists are advised to stay informed and avoid unnecessary panic buying to help mitigate the situation.
