Navigating through the fuel tanker driver shortage

The recent sight of long queues at multiple service stations across the country is thankfully abating, but it has been an exceptionally busy time for our UK fuels team, Law, P&GA and SSHE as we have worked to maintain supplies of fuel, minimise the impact on consumers and help keep the country moving.

According to Ewan Evans, UK Fuels manager, “Our refinery at Fawley and our distribution terminals are all working normally, so this was never about a shortage of fuel overall.  Unfortunately in recent months the shortage of HGV drivers has limited the capacity of specialist fuel distributors, such as Hoyer, to deliver fuel to service stations.

“We have been working closely with Hoyer to successfully manage deliveries to Alliance sites to minimise any outages. However, when a media report appeared suggesting one of our key competitors was having to close sites because they were out of fuel, we saw retail demand increase enormously.”

Roger Salomone, UK Public & Government Affairs manager, says, “Consumers were understandably concerned that they might run out of fuel, so it has been important to work to rebuild confidence, both in our media statements (we responded to hundreds of enquiries from journalists), in our customer care responses (our helpline has been exceptionally busy) and in our regular calls with the Government and industry bodies.” 

Recent Government measures, such as the assignment of around 150 MOD personnel to help distribute fuel in tankers, appear to be helping to reduce public concern.

“We have supported Hoyer in its training of MOD drivers who will be loading at our terminals,” adds Ewan. “We are also encouraging Hoyer to find long-term solutions to the HGV driver shortage.”

Paul Greenwood, our chairman and UK Lead Country Manager, says: “I am enormously grateful to all forecourt staff, HGV drivers, and our distribution terminal and refinery staff for working tirelessly to maintain supplies during this time to help keep the country moving.”