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13/09/2005
Queues form as motorists panic buy fuel
Motorists in the UK are buying up fuel as fears of supply difficulties were sparked by threats from pressure groups to blockade deliveries from refineries.
Retailers and supply companies have called for calm as long queues began to form on forecourts in many parts of Britain as motorists started panic buying fuel.
The UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) said today that tanker deliveries had been stepped up as much more fuel than usual was being bought.
The UKPIA emphasised that the UK has an oversupply situation for petrol as demand for product had peaked in the 1990s and there was overcapacity in terms of refining capability.
However, a small number of filling stations were reported to have been caught out as motorists visited forecourts to top up their tanks ahead of any disruption.
Groups protesting at the high fuel prices have threatened to cause three days of disruption starting on Wednesday.
While the Government has sought to blame oil producers and called for an increase in production, protestors remain critical of the level of taxation imposed on UK fuel and the cost of petroleum.
A motorway "roadblock" protest by road hauliers is also reported to be planned, similar to that of 2000 which brought the UK to a near standstill. However, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has played down any involvement, but said that hauliers' margins were tight as fuel costs have risen steeply in recent years. At a meeting with Treasury Minister John Healy last week, the RHA declared that the situation was now "critical" and that the spiralling cost of diesel in the UK was not sustainable. The Association has appealed to the government to step in and help alleviate the situation.
Police chiefs today pledged "firm action" in the event of any companies being prevented from carrying on their normal business.
While police have new powers to deal with disruptions, it remains uncertain how successful this legislation would be in alleviating the situation in the event of widespread protest action.
(SP/KMcA)
Retailers and supply companies have called for calm as long queues began to form on forecourts in many parts of Britain as motorists started panic buying fuel.
The UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA) said today that tanker deliveries had been stepped up as much more fuel than usual was being bought.
The UKPIA emphasised that the UK has an oversupply situation for petrol as demand for product had peaked in the 1990s and there was overcapacity in terms of refining capability.
However, a small number of filling stations were reported to have been caught out as motorists visited forecourts to top up their tanks ahead of any disruption.
Groups protesting at the high fuel prices have threatened to cause three days of disruption starting on Wednesday.
While the Government has sought to blame oil producers and called for an increase in production, protestors remain critical of the level of taxation imposed on UK fuel and the cost of petroleum.
A motorway "roadblock" protest by road hauliers is also reported to be planned, similar to that of 2000 which brought the UK to a near standstill. However, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has played down any involvement, but said that hauliers' margins were tight as fuel costs have risen steeply in recent years. At a meeting with Treasury Minister John Healy last week, the RHA declared that the situation was now "critical" and that the spiralling cost of diesel in the UK was not sustainable. The Association has appealed to the government to step in and help alleviate the situation.
Police chiefs today pledged "firm action" in the event of any companies being prevented from carrying on their normal business.
While police have new powers to deal with disruptions, it remains uncertain how successful this legislation would be in alleviating the situation in the event of widespread protest action.
(SP/KMcA)
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Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
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Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
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Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
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British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
19 March 2013
CPI Rises To 2.8%
In February the UK’s consumer price inflation (CPI) rose to 2.8%, thought to be the result of rising energy prices, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The Bank of England's inflation target for the CPI is 2%. Before February, CPI inflation had been 2.7% for four months in a row.
CPI Rises To 2.8%
In February the UK’s consumer price inflation (CPI) rose to 2.8%, thought to be the result of rising energy prices, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. The Bank of England's inflation target for the CPI is 2%. Before February, CPI inflation had been 2.7% for four months in a row.
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