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<\/p>\nThe number of petrol stations running dry in London and the South East has seen a “significant reduction”, according to daily industry data.<\/p>\n
In its latest update on the fuel crisis, the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said 15% of sites in the region – which is taking longer to return to normal than the rest of the country – were dry on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
That was down from 20% reported by the PRA a day earlier.<\/p>\n
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It said the situation was improving in the region, with 64% of petrol stations having both grades of fuel available while 21% had only one grade.<\/p>\n
Gordon Balmer, the PRA’s executive director, said: “Whilst there has been a significant reduction in dry sites, these areas are still lagging behind in having both grades of fuel available compared to the rest of the UK.”<\/p>\n
Across the country, 86% of sites reported having both grades of fuel “thanks to steady deliveries and stabilising demand” while 3% reported having only one grade and 11% were dry, Mr Balmer said.<\/p>\n
He added: “Members are reporting they are now receiving deliveries from military drivers using commercial tankers, however further action must be taken to address the needs of disproportionately affected areas.”<\/p>\n
The PRA represents independent forecourts across the UK, which make up about two-thirds of the total.<\/p>\n
In normal times 95%-100% of petrol stations would be expected to be open for business at any one time, save for anomalies such as weather conditions, power failures and protests.<\/p>\n
The fuel crisis began more than a week ago when the news of closures at a small number of BP petrol stations<\/strong>, caused by an ongoing shortage of lorry drivers, sparked nationwide panic buying.<\/p>\n In response, the government said it would issue 5,000 temporary visas to allow more drivers into the country including 300 on an immediate basis, as well as enlisting help from military drivers.<\/p>\n