Panic buyers in Harrow are causing traffic jams as they queue for petrol in North Harrow, Wealdstone and Pinner.
Pictures and videos sent into Harrow Online show the Esso station on Station Road, North Harrow heavily congested with panic buyers rushing to fill their tanks. Many people have been seen with external containers that they are filling with petrol.
The Shell garage on Pinner Green has been forced to close due to the crisis.
Outside of Harrow, in Bushey Heath, pictures posted online show multiple drivers queuing to get petrol at the Esso station next to Tesco Express in High Road.
One person said: “I’ve not experienced panic buying like this before, it’s got out of hand and I think things won’t improve until the government take drastic action”
Another person said: “Avoid Harrow, the traffic is a nightmare as all the people are queuing for petrol”.
BP said in a statement: “We are experiencing fuel supply issues at some of our retail sites in the UK and unfortunately have therefore seen a handful of sites temporarily close due to a lack of both unleaded and diesel grades.
“These have been caused by delays in the supply chain, which has been impacted by industry-wide driver shortages across the UK, and we are working hard to address this issue.
“We continue to work with our haulier supplier to minimise disruption and to ensure efficient and effective deliveries to serve our customers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Unesscesary and chaotic scenes on Pinner Rd, #Harrow this evening. Emergency vehicles couldn't get through. Read more 👉 https://t.co/ZeITgP9P6F#petrolqueues #petrolshortage
📱Vijay Parekh pic.twitter.com/X5hgtN3GEY
— Harrow Online (@harrowonline) September 24, 2021
Esso said that a “small number” of its 200 Tesco Alliance retail sites have been affected.
“We are working closely with all parties in our distribution network to optimise supplies and minimise any inconvenience to customers.
We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience,” a spokesperson from Esso added.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was no shortage of fuel in the UK, adding: “We obviously recognise the challenges faced by the industry and we’re taking steps to support them.”
