Sep 26, 2021 - Politics & Policy

BP says nearly a third of its U.K. gas stations out of main fuel

Yacob Reyes

A closed Esso petrol station with closed sight on its fuel pumpsl in North West London, United Kingdom — A closed petrol station with closed signage on its fuel pumps in North West London, U.K., on Sept. 26. Photo: Ray Tang/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

BP, the second-largest fuel retailer in the U.K., said Sunday that nearly a third of its gas stations have run out of main grades, citing panic buying as a cause for the shortage.

Why it matters: The fuel panic comes amid an international gas price surge, which has forced several energy companies out of business. The country is also experiencing a shortage of truck drivers, per Reuters.

Transport Minister Grant Shapps told Sky News that the shortage was a "manufactured situation" that would ultimately resolve itself, saying, "there's plenty of fuel" in the country.

What they're saying: "With the intense demand seen over the past two days, we estimate that around 30% of sites in this network do not currently have either of the main grades of fuel," a BP spokesperson told Axios in a statement.

"We are working to resupply as rapidly as possible."

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BP says nearly a third of its U.K. gas stations out of main fuel

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