29.3.2012 Union ballot for fuel strike sparks crisis

With the Unite Union having balloted for industrial action for fuel tanker drivers, a imminent strike is a now real possibility. If a strike is confirmed, there will be a seven day notice period given by the union.

Around 2,000 tanker drivers voted in the strike ballot earlier this week. Fuel delivery is a crucial link in the fuel supply chain, and these 2,000 drivers, working for just seven delivery companies, deliver around 90% of the UK's fuel.

The government has advised motorists to store some fuel at home in jerry cans and top up their tanks when they become half empty. However, the stock-piling advice given out by ministers has itself created a crisis.

Ministers have been criticised of sparking panic buying, and some organisations are accusing the government of intentionally causing a crisis. Petrol sales rose by 45% and diesel rose by 20% compared to average volumes on Tuesday, after the advice to stock up was announced.

No strike dates have been announced, but if they are the union will have to give seven days notice before any action takes place. If such announcements are made, there is no doubt that the rush to get to the forecourts that we have already seen, will be significantly increased.

Since the government advice to store fuel in a jerry can in the garage was made public, organisations such as the AA and the Fire Brigades Union have expressed anger over the potential danger of storing fuel in large quantities – as well as being over the official capacity of fuel allowed to be stored at home, it is a serious fire hazard.

Roads minister, Mike Penning, said that the announcement had been "a mistake by the cabinet minister". He continued, "He didn't understand the size of a jerry can. He has apologised since."

However, the government has also announced that army drivers are being trained to deliver fuel to petrol stations in the potential case of a strike – in order to prevent the country from being out of fuel for a period.

This situation goes to show that it is not just the cost of fuel or automotive industry legislation that is encouraging carmakers to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. Disruptions to fuel supply are a reminder to motorists that fuel efficient cars could be more important as our finite oil continues to be used up.

BBC, The Guardian