Army Put On Standby, as UK Gas Shortage, Causes Panic.<br />On September 28, gas shortages in major <br />cities prompted the UK government <br />to put the army on standby.<br />According to Reuters, long lines of drivers formed <br />at gas stations while dozens were closed <br />with signs saying they had no gas or diesel.<br />According to Reuters, long lines of drivers formed <br />at gas stations while dozens were closed <br />with signs saying they had no gas or diesel.<br />NBC News reports that a post-Brexit shortage of truck drivers, worsened by a halt to truck-driving-license testing during Covid lockdowns, has caused supply chain chaos.<br />NBC News reports that a post-Brexit shortage of truck drivers, worsened by a halt to truck-driving-license testing during Covid lockdowns, has caused supply chain chaos.<br />Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said a limited number of military tanker drivers had been put on a state of readiness to be deployed to deliver fuel if necessary.<br />Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said a limited number of military tanker drivers had been put on a state of readiness to be deployed to deliver fuel if necessary.<br />Retailers, truckers and logistics companies have all warned that prices for everything from energy to Christmas gifts will be forced to rise.<br />According the Petrol Retailers Association, the demand for fuel has meant that 50% to 90% of pumps were dry in some areas of Britain.<br />On September 26, the government announced <br />a plan to issue temporary visas <br />for 5,000 foreign truck drivers. .<br />The British Retail Consortium (BRC) urged the government to broaden the scope of the plan to attract enough truckers to keep Christmas supplies on track.<br />To avoid disappointment for millions <br />of households during the festive season <br />we urge the government to rapidly extend <br />this program, both in size and scope,<br />to HGV drivers in all sectors of the retail <br />industry. It will take many months <br />before there are enough new British <br />drivers to cover the shortfall, Andrew Opie, BRC Director of food and sustainability, via NBC.<br />To avoid disappointment for millions <br />of households during the festive season <br />we urge the government to rapidly extend <br />this program, both in size and scope,<br />to HGV drivers in all sectors of the retail <br />industry. It will take many months <br />before there are enough new British <br />drivers to cover the shortfall, Andrew Opie, BRC Director of food and sustainability, via NBC
