Fuel in short supply for some Stamford and Rutland petrol stations

Protestors continue to block oil depots suppling forecourts in the South and across the Midlands

Author: Ellis MaddisonPublished 13th Apr 2022

Fuel forecourts in Stamford and Rutland are experiencing shortages, believed to be a result of ongoing protests at oil depots.

The petrol station at Stamford's Morrisons in particular had to shut completely last week, and now has a number of pumps closed off.

One worker there said diesel supplies were running low, and that they're one of few forecourts still open in the area.

According to Howard Cox, founder of fuel price pressure group FairFuelUK, a third of survey respondents said they encountered a "problem" finding fuel.

The RAC says around 21.5 million car trips will be taken for leisure over Easter Bank Holiday weekend

He told PA News Agency: "Some garages are now really drying up... It's very patchy, it's sporadic but it's still an issue, particularly in the South.

"Above the Midlands in the North, in Scotland and Northern Ireland there's no problems whatsoever. Their garages are full of fuel."

Ongoing protests

Now into the second week of protests at oil terminals by Just Stop Oil, Essex Police have arrested over 350 protestors since the disruption began on April 1.

The activist group are calling on the Government to stop any new fossil fuel projects, and in a statement said:

"The Government can end the queues and closures at petrol station forecourts immediately, ahead of the Easter holidays, by committing to halt all new oil licences and consents.

"Ministers have a choice: they can arrest and imprison Just Stop Oil supporters or agree to no new oil and gas.

"While Just Stop Oil supporters have their liberty the disruption will continue. Now is the moment to come and meet with the coalition."

On Monday (12th April), Downing Street labelled the protestor's actions targeting oil supplies as "guerrilla tactics".

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.