'Fuel Shortage' Enters Fourth Day, UK Government Considers Military Deployment

Concerns Persist Despite Temporary Visa Issuance for Truck Drivers and Competition Law Suspension Measures

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] In the UK, where the fuel shortage crisis continues, the government is finally considering deploying military forces to resolve the issue.

According to The Times on the 27th (local time), the UK government is expected to issue an order for the military to assist in fuel transportation. If the government makes this decision, it is anticipated that it will take about a week to deploy the troops.

The UK government is implementing emergency measures as the fuel shortage crisis continues due to a shortage of truck drivers transporting fuel. The government has also temporarily suspended competition laws to allow oil companies to cooperate and share inventory information so that fuel can be delivered first to gas stations running out of fuel. Despite issuing temporary visas to about 5,000 foreign truck drivers until Christmas Eve, concerns over the fuel shortage crisis have grown, prompting additional measures.

Following Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortage of truck drivers in the UK has worsened, leading to supply disruptions not only in groceries but also in fuel. However, some experts point out that deploying the military has its limitations. Brian Madderson, chairman of the National Petrol Retailers Association, appeared on BBC Radio and said, "Military mobilization is not a cure-all," adding, "The military will only handle tasks that do not require technical skills."

Due to the fuel shortage crisis continuing for four days since the 24th, the Petrol Retailers Association estimates that fuel has run out at about 5,500 gas stations, which is up to 90% of its member stations. There are approximately 8,000 gas stations in the UK.