PM tells public to stop panic-buying fuel amid shortages

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View online September 29, 2021   1 / Stop panic-buying petrol and only fill up 'when you really need it', Boris Johnson tells public Boris Johnson has rejected pleas to give health and care workers priority access to fuel, despite warnings that leaving them stuck in queues at forecourts will put lives at risk.   Breaking his silence on the crisis after five days of pumps running dry, the prime minister insisted the situation was improving and called on motorists to stop panic-buying petrol.   But retailers said more than one-third of independent petrol stations remained empty, and Mr Johnson indicated that emergency measures will be needed until Christmas and beyond to keep supply chains running not only for fuel but other essential supplies too.   2 / Starmer to draw line under Corbyn era in speech putting election victory ahead of party unity Labour leader to say he has serious plan for government   3 / 'It isn't fit for animals': Asylum seekers forced to sleep in 24-bed hostel rooms despite coronavirus risk Exclusive: Covid spreads in London hostel where Home Office has placed hundreds of asylum seekers 4 / 'No thank you, prime minister': Lorry drivers decline Boris Johnson's Christmas visa offer 'No drivers want to move for only three months just to make it easier for the British to organise their holidays'   5 / Child migrant, 16, dies attempting to board lorry bound for UK in Calais Exclusive: Sudanese boy fatally run over in logistics area used by UK-bound goods vehicles The Big Question     Is Brexit to blame for Britain's petrol panic buying? As panicked British drivers queue around the block to top up their tanks at petrol stations amid fears of a flash fuel crisis, many are asking whether we are witnessing the latest evidence of a back-firing Brexit in action.   While transport secretary Grant Shapps did admit on Tuesday that Britain's decision to withdraw from the European Union had been "a factor" in this summer's supply chain chaos, for the most part Boris Johnson's government and the fuel industry have been quick to downplay the problem, insisting there is no actual shortage of petrol and diesel reserves and that this is merely a short-term snafu caused by a lack of HGV drivers to make deliveries from distribution terminals to the pumps.   The prime minister's critics meanwhile insist Brexit is to blame - but are their claims accurate? What parts have the coronavirus pandemic and Britain's ageing workforce had to play in the unfolding farce? Read the full story >   Watch / Daniel Craig says it's 'bittersweet' leaving Bond behind NUMBER OF THE DAY £25m The government is taking over the running of railway operator Southeastern after a £25m breach of its franchise agreement. QUOTE OF THE DAY "This hasn't happened overnight, anyone who does the job will tell you we all saw it coming a long time ago."   –  HGV driver Jon Clarke on the current supply crisis   Other stories you might like 'Complacent' government ignored petrol crisis warnings for years, officials claim Ikea launches investigation after staff find CCTV cameras in toilets Sign up to The Independent's exclusive virtual event exploring the changed landscape of love If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters.     Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.