The Petrol Retainers Association who are frequently interviewed on the news claim they speak for 65% of forecourts.
This may be correct - but it is sales volume that is more important. Do they speak for Tescos, Sainsburys, Morrissons etc where forecourts may have a dozen pumps, not 2 or 3.
And in remote locations with a low population a single garage may serve the entire local community. They may normally only be resupplied once a week due to low volumes.
If suddenly people panic and empty the forecourt tanks, it may be days before they are replenished.
This is not to suggest that there is no problem - merely that people remain in panic mode whilst a station is closed. They are incapable of thinking more rationally. Rather than a limit of £30 imposed by many forecourts, perhaps this should be reduced to £10.
People may then find it more hassle than it's wroth to sit in a queue for so little. No queue = no shortage = no need to panic!
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