British Military to Assist with Fuel Deliveries Starting Monday – Reuters

LONDON (Reuters) – The UK government will deploy nearly 200 military personnel, including 100 drivers, starting Monday to assist with fuel deliveries to gas stations. This measure aims to address the ongoing shortage of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.

The situation at British gas stations remains critical, with many still running dry after a tumultuous week marked by panic buying and altercations at the pumps. Reports indicate that drivers have resorted to hoarding fuel in various containers as the shortage of truckers has severely disrupted supply chains.

Despite assertions from ministers in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government that the crisis is stabilizing, retailers report that over 2,000 gas stations are out of fuel. Observations from journalists in London and southern England confirm that many pumps remain closed.

The military personnel are currently undergoing training at various haulier sites throughout the country. Defence Minister Ben Wallace emphasized that while the situation is improving, the Armed Forces are available to address any pressing vacancies and ensure the smooth delivery of fuel.

In an effort to mitigate the crisis, the government announced a plan last Sunday to issue temporary visas for 5,000 foreign truck drivers and 5,500 poultry workers. However, some truck drivers have expressed their intention to decline these visas, citing the limited duration as a concern.

On Friday, the government made adjustments to its strategy by launching a tailored scheme allowing up to 300 fuel tanker drivers to enter the UK on a temporary basis immediately. These drivers will be able to work in the UK until the end of March 2022. The remaining 4,700 drivers are expected to arrive from late October, with plans to depart by the end of February 2022.

Additionally, the 5,500 poultry workers will begin arriving from late October and will be permitted to stay until the end of December.

The government stated that the introduction of these temporary visa measures does not diminish its commitment to enhancing domestic labor skills and wages but acknowledges the extraordinary circumstances affecting the stability of the UK supply chain.