Fuel Shortage in the UK: Military Forces Deployed Due to Driver Shortage

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Jo] As the fuel shortage crisis in the UK continues for the sixth day, the government has decided to deploy military drivers to support fuel transportation starting this weekend. There are also concerns that the labor shortage cannot be resolved due to a significant decrease in foreign workers in the UK caused by Brexit (the UK's withdrawal from the European Union) and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kwasi Kwarteng, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, stated, "We will deploy 150 trained military drivers to operate fuel trucks within this week."

He added, "The situation is stabilizing," and "You will soon see us overcoming the crisis." However, when asked whether the supply shortage could be resolved ahead of the year-end peak season, he said, "At this point, nothing can be guaranteed."

This fuel shortage crisis was caused by a shortage of freight truck drivers, which restricted logistics movement within the UK. The influx of new workers has decreased due to Brexit, and the number of foreign workers returning to their home countries has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the shortage of transportation personnel. The industry estimates that there is currently a shortage of about 100,000 truck drivers working in the UK.

Britons, who experienced a fuel crisis once before in 2000 when truck drivers protested by blocking refineries, have rushed into "panic buying," worsening the situation. Many gas stations in London and the southeastern region of the UK have run out of stock, and at gas stations where fuel remains, queues stretch for hundreds of meters. Physical altercations have occurred among drivers waiting to refuel, who demanded no cutting in line, and there have even been incidents involving weapons.

Due to the fuel shortage crisis continuing for six days since the 24th, the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) estimates that 27% of its 8,380 member gas stations have run out of fuel. Gordon Balmer, the association chairman, expressed concern, saying, "Employees working at gas stations are experiencing unacceptable levels of verbal and physical abuse from angry drivers."

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged restraint regarding panic buying for the first time since the crisis began, but anxiety is rising ahead of the year-end peak season. The market is already raising concerns that gasoline shortages may occur as Christmas demand revives due to supply shortages.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.