The UK fuel station frenzy
27 September 2021

The UK fuel station frenzy

As BP announced a 'handful' of fuel stations would be closed, due to a lack of drivers, the public frenzied and feared of fuel shortages.
When announced on Thursday that BP didn't have enough drivers to deliver to all of their petrol stations, the UK swifty shifted into panic mode. 

Although the government had advised that people should continue to purchase fuel as normal, many flocked at petrol stations to panic buy and stock up on as much fuel as they possibly could. The transport secretary Grant Shapps stated that there was 'plenty of petrol' to go around.

However, due to the increased panicked state of the public, many petrol stations are having to close early as they are running out of fuel.

It is currently estimated that the UK is currently short of about 100,000 HGV drivers, which is said to be worsened by not only COVID, but also Brexit. 

Edmund King, President of the AA, said "There is no shortage of fuel and thousands of forecourts are operating normally with just a few suffering temporary supply chain problems," 

"Fridays and the weekend always tend to be busier on forecourts, as drivers either combine filling up with shopping runs, prepare for weekend trips or refuel for the start of the new working week."

He also suggested that drivers should stick to their normal re-fueling routine, because even if one petrol station may close temporarily, he can guarantee there will be another that is operating down the road. 


The Petrol Retailers Association has reported that there are 8,380 petrol stations, of which, only 1% are currently closed within the UK.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: "The supply issues affecting a small number of petrol forecourts shouldn't impact the prices drivers pay to fill up.

"But unfortunately the price of oil, which has the biggest influence on what drivers pay at the pumps, is continuing to rise at the moment.

"This may lead to fuel prices going up in the coming days, which would be yet more bad news for drivers, as a litre of unleaded is already over 21p a litre more expensive than a year ago."


As petrol and diesel vehicle owners are set into panic, those who drive electric vehicles are sat comfortably, knowing they won't ever have the same issue, some even gloating on social media that they will never have to sit in long queues for petrol stations ever again. 

By owning an electric vehicle, such as the Nissan LEAF, you will be able to have your own fuel station right on your own drive way, and fuel up every night whilst you sleep!


Were you aware that driving 220 miles within the LEAF will cost you ONLY £6 to fuel up... what a bargain! 


The Nissan LEAF is currently part of our 'GO FOR IT' event, which ends on September 30th, so check out our new LEAF offers here!

Alternatively, why not check out our used Nissan LEAF stock here!

Did you know that What Car? AND the Electrifying.com awards crowned the Nissan LEAF as the best used electric car of 2021!