Some BP petrol stations have been closed temporarily due to driver shortages impacting the delivery of fuel, although BP via the revealed BBC that the "vast majority" of shortages were being "resolved within a day".
The issue had been further exacerbated by a distribution centre having to close last week after some staff had been told to isolate.
"Our supply chain has been impacted by the industry-wide driver shortages across the UK and was exacerbated by the temporary closure of our Hemel Hempstead fuel distribution terminal last week because of necessary Covid-19 isolations amongst staff. The terminal is now operating as normal once again" said BP.
Ministers have unveiled a package of measures to tackle the HGV driver shortage and ease pressure on the sector, including launching a consultation on allowing drivers to take one test to drive both an articulated and rigid lorry. According to the Government, this would streamline the process for new drivers to gain their HGV licence and would increase lorry test appointment availability.
The pandemic has resulted in the loss of about 12 months of driver training and testing, while online retail averaged 28.1% of retail sales in 2020, according to Logistics UK, up from 19.2% in 2019.
In an effort to help alleviate the pressure, ministers have pledged to work with industry leaders to attract new drivers, simplify training and encourage people to stay in the industry in an open letter to the road haulage sector.
