According to a statement from BP, it has to "temporarily" close some of its 1,200 branded petrol stations in Britain due to the "industry-wide driver shortages across the UK".
"We are experiencing some fuel supply issues at some of our retail sites in the UK and unfortunately have therefore seen a handful of sites temporarily close due to a lack of both unleaded and diesel grades... We continue to work with our haulier supplier to minimise disruption and to ensure efficient and effective deliveries", the company noted.
As a result, most BP gas stations in the UK will not be restocked for one-and-a-half days a week. However, the stations on motorways will be prioritised and restocked as usual.
The heavy goods vehicle sector has been facing serious problems with recruitment, caused by the pandemic and Brexit issues. Per industry bodies, there is a shortfall of about 100,000 qualified lorry drivers in the country.
Грузовики припаркованы возле закрытого в связи с коронавирусом порта Дувр, Англия
© AP Photo / Kirsty Wigglesworth
Other sectors have also been affected by the lack of drivers: supermarket chain Tesco warned that the country may face panic buying right before Christmas amid shortages of some products and urged the government to find a swift solution to the problem, even asking the authorities to temporarily waive visa restrictions and encourage workers from abroad.