Fuel Panic

Great. Just what I didn't need. Since the Unite union announced their intention to bring the fuel tankers out on strike, the coalition government has been running about like headless chickens, fuelling the panic buying of fuel.

It doesn’t help when you get idiots like Francis Maud saying that people should not only fill the tank on their car / van, but fill a Jerry Can as well. Then you get the Energy Secretary Ed Davey saying that there is no need to do that, but if you’re going past a fuel station, and you’ve got ½ tank, then fill up.

Ok – I don’t like going below ½ tank on the Peugeot, as I run the risk of dragging the crap that may have accumulated in the tank though into the fuel lines, so me filling up like that is part of my normal routine.

But the trip into work this morning was… Interesting. I go past a couple of garages – one is an independent local garage (I used to refuel there, but since it’s been taken over, the price has gone silly), and Sainsburys.

Now normally, the little independent garage has a couple of cars there, and Sainsburys is usually quite busy, as it’s a reasonable price, and the fuel is good. Not today. Today, they were queuing for fuel at the local garage, and Sainsburys? Well put it this way, I was waiting to hear the sirens howling down the road, to deal with an accident, as the queue was down onto the mini-roundabout by the retail park, and was starting to back up onto the main road.

So how does this affect me? The same as it affects most responsible drivers. The muppets who panic buy drain the fuel stations dry, meaning that when I need to refuel, I’m unable to get fuel, meaning that it’s more grey hair trying to find somewhere with fuel. Meaning that I add to the problems of people trying to find fuel…

Equally, it may well bugger my plans for the Easter break, as this time next week, I’m planning to head up to Cheshire Oaks for a shopping trip with Mum, and I won’t be very impressed if we have to cancel that, as I’ve been really looking forward to that (and I’ve booked the day off!)

All I will say is that the sooner the unions and the employers start talks at ACAS, the better this will be for everyone – me included!

Ah well, guess I should think about calling this quits – my lunch break is nearly over.

Back when I get the chance…

Karen

What I've felt, what I've known
Sick and tired, I stand alone
Could you be there?
'Cause I'm the one who waits for you
Or are you unforgiven, too?