Sam Riddle

Exclusive from @oliver_wright Ministers are examining plans to ration petrol and diesel supplies at the pump if the conflict in the Middle East continues to restrict the supply of oil to the UK. Government figures show that the country has less than 900,000 tonnes of petrol in storage - 10 per cent less than a year ago and about 26 days’ supply at normal demand levels Although ministers insist in private that the country currently has adequate reserves to avoid rationing, senior government sources admit that “demand constraint measures” could become necessary if significant disruption to oil supply continues Ministers already have emergency powers under the Energy Act which they can use to control supply and demand of petrol products during severe disruptions. These were last used in 2000 when hauliers blockaded fuel depots to protest at rising prices, leading to nationwide petrol shortages. The plans would allow the government to cap the amount of fuel motorists can buy at any one time and designate certain petrol stations as hubs that would only serve emergency and critical service vehicles. Diesel sales could be restricted to commercial vehicles involved in the delivery of key supply chains, such as food and health One source said that although the need to implement the plans were “some way off” there was growing concern that disruption to supplies could last longer than had previously been expected. Industry experts believe that even if the Strait of Hormuz were to reopen tomorrow it could take up to six months for normal supplies to resume. thetimes.com/article/832f7c…