UK Authorities Amend Legislation Amid Fuel Crisis

UK authorities have temporarily exempted the oil industry from competition law in response to the ongoing fuel crisis.

The UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy decided to temporarily suspend competition law provisions for the oil industry, aiming to minimize disruptions to fuel supplies at gas stations.

The UK has faced disruptions to its food and fuel supply chains in recent months due to a shortage of truck drivers and fuel tanker operators. This forced oil companies to close some filling stations, prompting panic buying of gasoline among residents. In late July, the Road Haulage Association warned that the country was short around 100,000 truck drivers. This shortfall has largely been attributed to drivers leaving the UK following Brexit, combined with thousands of new drivers waiting on license testing that was delayed by pandemic-related lockdowns.

Officials note that the move will allow the government to work more closely with fuel producers, suppliers, transporters and retailers to help minimize supply disruptions.