Since early September, petrol stations across the United Kingdom (UK) have struggled to fill their pumps with sufficient fuel to keep drivers on the road. The UK’s current fuel crisis directly results from a shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers. European HGV drivers had access to the UK market through EU membership. However, many have since left the UK due to uncertainty following Brexit. While the UK is not the only European nation to face a shortage of HGV drivers, it is the first to struggle to supply its population with petrol.

This fuel crisis hits the UK at the same time supermarkets struggle to fill their shelves. The government has tried to intervene by suspending competition laws, allowing oil firms to deliver to those most in need.

Daily panic buying means cars are queuing up for hours in some locations. Some petrol stations are supplying only to HGV drivers so that supplies can still reach the market, most notably perishables. A new temporary three-month HGV visa introduced allows HGV drivers to return and work in the UK. However, HGV Drivers have highlighted poor working standards and the introduction of IR35, a new tax guideline, as reasons stopping their UK return.