Fuel crisis UK: RHA says government ‘disgraceful’ after Shapps blames industry leaders for petrol panic

The Road Haulage Association has accused the government of a “disgraceful attack” after it was blamed for sparking panic buying at petrol stations. Transport secretary Grant Shapps claimed the fuel crisis was a “manufactured situation” caused by a leak to the media by the RHA from a meeting at which concerns were raised by BP about supply problems. The RHA denied the allegation and claimed ministers were trying to divert attention away from their handling of the shortage of HGV drivers. Business groups have also criticised the government’s plan to offer temporary visas to 5,000 foreign lorry drivers and 5,500 poultry workers as “too little, too late” and “throwing a thimble of water on a bonfire.” Retailers warned on Friday that the government had just 10 days to save Christmas from significant disruption due to the shortage of around 100,000 HGV drivers across the UK. Motorists were still scrambling to find fuel on Sunday morning as suppliers struggled to keep up with increased demand.