UK: Petrol station stocks reach highest level after shortage crisis

Government statistics showed that the pace of purchases has slowed down days after the panic-buying frenzy.

The United Kingdom government confirmed that stocks of unleaded and diesel at petrol stations have reached their highest level since May. The information, published by the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), also states that the industry has recovered from the recent buying frenzy due to the shortage crisis.

The public data showed that by the end of the day on Sunday, fuel tanks were an average of 45% full, a huge step up from the 15% figure from last month. The numbers also evidenced a decrease in fuel sales since September, from an average of 35,900 litres in the past month to 11,800 litres.

The Petrol Retailers Association warned that record pump prices of 142 pence per litre for petrol and 148 pence for diesel set in April 2012 were going “to be eclipsed before the end of October.” The organisation pointed out the rise in oil prices around the world as the main reason for this shift.

Motorists were warned of the increase in fuel cost by the end of October 24 hours prior to the publication of the official data. The price skyrocketed when it emerged that, amidst the shortage of tanker drivers, BP had told the government it was prioritising the restocking of its branded stations.

London and the South East were the slowest regions to recover from the shortage crisis. Drivers from different areas ignored the official advice to refuel normally and joined crowds of vehicles to restock. With the scarcity of tank drivers, Army personnel were brought to help restore the flow of fuel in both territories.