Fuel shortage fear as supplies halt

24/01/12

By Dominic Rees

Motorists who despair at high prices at the petrol pumps may soon have a bigger problem to concern them - no fuel at the forecourts.

The threat of petrol shortages has become quite real in south-east England after oil refiner Petroplus said it would file for bankruptcy.

The announcement by its Swiss-based parent company led to the Coryton refinery in Essex, which provides around 20 per cent of fuel used in the region, halting supplies with immediate effect.

Analysts fear the move, which was announced with no indication of when they might resume, could hit supplies if the shutdown becomes prolonged.

The action caused further concern as truckers at another supplier began a seven-day strike, with East of England MEP Richard Howitt warning that it could have a devastating effect on the local community, and even impact upon the Olympics when fuel consumption is expected to jump.