Fuel Shortage
Organisations rely to some extent on fuel, for getting staff to work, distributing products or providing services. UK fuel availability is generally very good. However, there have been recent examples of brief disruptions to supply at regional and national levels.
Disruption could be caused by a number of factors including:
- Scarcity of supply.
- A technical problem with the fuel supply infrastructure.
- Industrial action.
- Public protest.
Such disruption could see further depletion through increased consumer demand (panic buying).
Fuel shortages could result in curtailment of non-essential services to vulnerable individuals and have a significant local, regional and national economic effects.
Who can be affected?
Motor vehicle drivers or those relying on a service provided by a vehicle using road fuel.
What are we doing in County Durham and Darlington?
As an LRF we will work together to co-ordinate our response and
- Make sure all organisations conserve as much fuel as possible, whilst still delivering an appropriate level of service and/or product.
- Encourage measures (public / business use) to achieve useful reductions in fuel consumption.
- Produce multi-agency plans to manage the effects of fuel supply restrictions.
- If necessary invoke organisational Business Continuity plans.
- The Police would handle such issues as protests and blockades.
What can you do?
- Maintain your vehicle to be as fuel efficient as possible.
- Make only essential journeys.
- Consider ways of conserving fuel - car-sharing, walking, cycling, and home working.
- Avoid panic buying.
- Avoid storing fuel at domestic properties and businesses not equipped for fuel storage.
Where can you get further information?
Cabinet Office - Business Continuity Management for
Fuel Shortages [pdf document]