Supermarket petrol stations including Asda and Tesco issue update on fuel shortages
SUPERMARKETS have been majorly affected by "fuel shortages", with some needing to close forecourts and others imposing buying limits.
Drivers across the country have been struggling to fuel up amid the current panic, as there are lengthy queues to contend with and maximum spending limits being enforced.
And while it is hoped that the situation has now started to normalise, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has said he is "not guaranteeing anything" over whether the problems could impact on Christmas.
While there are no shortages of actual petrol, there is a lack of drivers available to deliver fuel to forecourts.
A joint statement from members of the fuel industry said there were "signs that the situation at the pumps has begun to improve".
But the unprecedented demand from panic buyers has caused days of chaos for many motorists as a result.
But some stores, like Asda, have gone so far as limiting the amount drivers can fill up their car in a bid to curb the stockpiling that some panicked drivers have resorted to.
BP explained how some of its petrol pumps are in short supply because of a lack of drivers available to deliver fuel to forecourts.
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It's the latest item to be hit by a shortage of truckers, with around 100,000 fewer HGV drivers currently on the roads than needed.
The Sun recently launched a campaign to help recruit thousands of HGV drivers.
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Supplies of chicken to KFC and Nandos have also been hit recently, along with McDonald's milkshakes, as well as other shops and restaurants.
Industry experts have said there is no shortage of petrol, although that hasn't stopped large queues forming to fill up over the weekend.
Supermarkets have reassured customers about supplies though - here's what they have previously said.
Tesco
ExxonMobil, which operates Esso, confirmed a "small number" of its 200 forecourts with a Tesco Express on site were affected.
Esso is responsible for supplying fuel on those sites.
A spokesperson said: "We are working closely with all parties in our distribution network to optimise supplies and minimise any inconvenience to customers."
A Tesco spokesperson said: "We have good availability of fuel, with deliveries arriving at our petrol filling stations across the UK every day".
Asda
Asda had previously said that all its fuel stations are operating as normal.
The supermarket has 320 petrol stations across the UK.
But Twitter users today announced that the supermarket has imposed a £30 limit across petrol stations to help ease the demand.
One user said: "Asda had petrol this morning. £30 limit."
Another said: "We have Just been to Asda petrol station in South Shields no problem, no queues, straight to a pump, got the limit of £30."
While a third user said: "£30 limit at Shell and Asda here. I can go back tomorrow for another £30 worth. (5 mile round trip)."
Asda was snapped up by new owners last year - British billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa, the tycoons behind EG Group, a global convenience and forecourts retailer.
Sainsburys
Sainsbury's has said it is not currently experiencing any issues at its petrol stations, of which there are around 300.
A spokesperson said: "We’re closely monitoring the situation and working closely with our supplier to maintain fuel supply."
But that doesn't mean shoppers and drivers won't experience long queues and potential delays as it can vary between locations.
Morrisons
Morrisons has said that it's not seeing any issues with fuel shortages or supply at the moment.
Again, drivers might experience long queues, but it will vary by region.
The supermarket has around 300 forecourts across the country.
Co-op
There's no issue at Co-op operated petrol stations, the supermarket said.
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Co-op has around 130 petrol stations located along side its convenience stores.
Drivers might find there are queues but the supermarket has assured there are no shortages.
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