Over the last week, News OnTheWight has actively taken the decision to not write about queues of vehicles at petrol stations – it’s not like the queues weren’t getting enough coverage Nationally.
Instead, News OnTheWight has spoken to the Isle of Wight council who have an overview of fuel supply here, who said there is an open supply chain of fuel to the Island – meaning there’s no shortage of fuel coming to the Island, and, if people were buying fuel at their normal levels, pumps wouldn’t be closing.
Of course, we all understand that many people need to have fuel in their cars to get around but if they keep on being told there are massive queues at petrol stations, they become concerned that they won’t be able to get some.
Reassurance for residents
Several readers got in touch over the weekend questioning if critical services – such as ambulance, police and the fire service, as well as vital Isle of Wight council services – had enough fuel.
One of the lesser-known functions of the council is to make sure vital services continue, so we went to them seeking reassurances that key services have sufficient fuel to operate.
A spokesperson for the council told News OnTheWight that at the moment there is not a concern, but even if things did reach that point,
“If needed, we would look to put all our resource into the delivery of critical services.
“We have long-standing arrangements with filling stations and other responders under a fuel-sharing protocol.”
In short, the vital services would continue to be able to get fuel.
Resist the temptation
The council spokesperson said that unfortunately there was some false information put out over the weekend, “which did not help the situation”.
They went on to say that as long as drivers are sensible filling up just what they need in the short term, there shouldn’t be a problem with supply. Something that should provide reassurance to all of those that rely on their cars to get to work or look after relatives and friends.
Image: Wassim Chouak under CC BY 2.0
