The lemmings queue for fuel again

[johnmc]

Hi,
Three petrol stations were out of fuel in our area last night as lemmings queued around the block to top off their tanks. All because the radio stations and newspaper created a panic wave around a refinery strike that may or may not happen.

Crazy. Just like the last drivers strike several years back. It's not being rationed yet in Scotland, so the stations are being drained.

Anyone else here seeing similar problems?
John

 

[hawk20]

But if the strike does happen, they won't seem so crazy will they?

And that is why they do it.

 

[A1000]

But you'll never know whether the garages running dry is because of the strike or human nature! It seems like both sides in the dispute have ratcheted up the stories in order to give weight to their views. Yet again the motorist being treated like a pawn in it all.

So how long before the "panic" hits London?!

 

[hairyg]

This was on the news last week.

The strike was scheduled for yesterday and today and the refinery operators say they had no choice but to shut the refinery down for "Health and Safety" reason.

THe process is complex so takes several days to shut down and presumably several more to bring back up.

As it is the only refinery in Scotland supplies are having to come from England. Time we started singing the last verse of the National Anthem again. Very loudly outside 10 Downing Street would be favourite.

 

[rf065]

The strike is not due until the 27th & 28th of April.
The refinary has been starting to shut down since last Friday as it is a long complicated process. It must be even more complex to start it up again because they reckon that it will be effectively shut for a month because of a 2 day strike.

There were a lot of queues at garages at the weekend and a few I passed today have signs on the main road stating no diesel. Everyone say there is no need to panic, so everyone does just that. Why does no-one trust government advice?

Russ

 

[hawk20]

Everyone say there is no need to panic, so everyone does just that. Why does no-one trust government advice?

Russ

Quite right the public are too. If the refinery shuts as now seems more than possible, those who stock up will be better placed than those who don't.

 

[A1000]

........ Why does no-one trust government advice?

Russ

Can't imagine why

 

[tromppost]

Strike, what strike? I am going to top up my tank right now, be back in a minute.... "only joking"

 

[JEZ.S320L]

............Why does no-one trust government advice?

Russ

I wonder why????

 

[grpar]

So how long before the "panic" hits London?!

No queues here ..... feel sorry for those of you north of about Newcastle though.

 

[jibcl500]

Wait for the petrol stations to start making up the price when stocks get low, remember the strikes and protests!!! fuel stations in cambs where charging more for fuel.

 

[ae1whia]

Government required to ensure 67.5 days reserve of all fuel stocks, so should be no shortage, except when panic buying occurs. Grangemouth also exports motor spirit as they make more than they can sell in the UK. DONT PANIC!!!

Cheers

Andy

 

[Blobcat]

Government required to ensure 67.5 days reserve of all fuel stocks, so should be no shortage, except when panic buying occurs. Grangemouth also exports motor spirit as they make more than they can sell in the UK. DONT PANIC!!!

Cheers

Andy

Grangemouth O/P represents just 10% of Britain's oil refining capability and there are reserves of petrol kept for just such an eventuality. Britain produces more petrol than needed and is a net exporter of the fuel.

I think you will find that the media will report this story in a sensible manner and it will be no more than a minor inconvenience to deliveries local to the area.

Hold on...

Petrol panic looms as protesters threaten blockade, strike closes major refinery and oil hits new high


... screams the Daily Mail headline.

 

[Rory]

In my area of the NW of England one of the problems is that there are actually not that many filling stations around. On some journeys out into the countryside I really have to think about where to get fuel.

I stopped at one I use quite a bit on the outskirts of town this morning and cars were queued 3 deep from the pumps, and that's normal.

 

[Blobcat]

In my area of the NW of England one of the problems is that there are actually not that many filling stations around. On some journeys out into the countryside I really have to think about where to get fuel.

I stopped at one I use quite a bit on the outskirts of town this morning and cars were queued 3 deep from the pumps, and that's normal.

There are a few Shell stations I use near Mold & Wrexham which are very competitive and I've never had issues queuing even though they are in busy locations.

 

[rf065]

Wait for the petrol stations to start making up the price when stocks get low, remember the strikes and protests!!! fuel stations in cambs where charging more for fuel.

On the news this morning, a garage in Fife is charging £1.45 a litre!

Rix Garage, Kirkaldy. Named & Shamed

Russ

 

[jibcl500]

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=17955

jib

 

[Ashley H]

I filled-up at Tesco in Ayr on Monday (no - NOT panic-buying just my regular tankful, ready to leave for Cheshire at 04:30 the next morning). It's always pretty busy but was definitely busier than usual, other garages around town looked the same.
I'll be heading home on Friday afternoon and might need to top-up as I head north so I can get back again on Monday morning. Unfortunately, even a full tank doesn't do a round trip.
Inevitably, it's all very well to do a Corporal Jones but it's my livelihood - if I can't get back to Cheshire, I can't earn any money (and then Mrs H can't go shopping and that would mean a retail recession in South Ayrshire...)

 

[turnipsock]

Tesco! are you mad?

 

[johnmc]

Hi,
Had to finally fill the car today, 75Quid, ouch!

Girl at the checkout told me about one guy who comes in every day to put a couple
of quid in his tank, basically what he had used running around the town for the day, to
keep it topped up in case the world ends.

You almost feel obligated to become a lemming and join in!

John