Fuel stocks in South and London behind rest of UK

Fuel supplies to petrol stations in London and the south-east of England are improving but still remain behind the rest of the country, retailers say.

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said 64% of forecourts in those areas had both types of fuel compared to 86% of sites nationally.

Supplies have increased in recent days after the military was deployed amid a shortage of fuel tanker drivers.

The government is offering 300 short-term visas to overseas lorry drivers.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said 127 foreign drivers had applied for visas aimed at tackling shortages, however, the Department for Business said only 27 drivers had been identified. It has not confirmed what Mr Johnson’s number was referring to.

The Times reported that just 27 people from the European Union had applied to be tanker drivers.

The PRA, which represents independent forecourts across the UK, said “steady deliveries and stabilising demand” had led to improvements in stocks across the country.

Gordon Balmer, PRA executive director, said 15% of sites in London and the south-east of England still had no fuel, down from 20% on Monday.

“Whilst there has been a significant reduction in dry sites, these areas are still lagging behind in having both grades of fuel available compared to the rest of the UK,” he said.

Nationally, the percentage of dry sites increased from 8% to 11% on Tuesday, the PRA said.

“Members are reporting they are now receiving deliveries from military drivers using commercial tankers, however further action must be taken to address the needs of disproportionately affected areas.”