British Transport Secretary says refineries have ‘plenty of petrol’ as drivers fear shortage of fuel

The UK has seen long queues formed in front of gas stations after the oil and petrol giant BP and Tesco Alliance announced that a "handful" of petrol stations would be closed in the country due to shortage of lorry drivers.

The announcement has caused concern among drivers, who fear of shortage of gasoline due to decrease in the number of stations, as they formed long queues in front of petrol stations in the capital London.

British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said refineries in the country had "plenty of petrol", adding that a "little bit" of patience might be required.

Shapps added that if necessary, British soldiers can be assigned to drive fuel tankers.

According to several reports, the UK faces a shortfall of around 100,000 heavy goods (HGV) drivers.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said that Brexit, pandemic, the retirement of drivers, and low wages are among the reasons behind shortage of lorry drivers.

Meanwhile, the natural gas prices in the UK have increased by 250% since January and by 70% since August, according to industry group Oil & Gas UK.

(Courtesy Anadolu Agency: Excluding headline)

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