Ambulance service for Cornwall issues message of reassurance over fuel supplies
South Western Ambulance Service says currently, it is not being impacted operationally
Last updated 28th Sep 2021
The ambulance service that covers Cornwall has issued a message of reassurance on fuel supplies, after long queues at petrol stations.
South Western Ambulance Service says it is not being impacted operationally.
It comes after one of its governors tweeted to say there is 'bunkered fuel' at locations across the trust area.
Andy Nickolls added that a 'national plan for resilience' was in place if fuel became unavailable.
He posted: "To reassure patients & public @swasft have bunkered fuel at locations across the trust area & a national plan for resilience should fuel become unavailable.
"Private ambulances will still need fuel however from garages".
In a statement issued on Monday (27th September), South Western Ambulance Service said: "We aren’t currently being impacted operationally by fuel problems".
Late on Monday night, the government confirmed the army has now been put on standby.
Ministers said up to 150 soldiers were being trained up to help deliver fuel, IF needed.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to alleviate the transport pressures where they are felt most.
"That is why I have authorised their increased preparedness so they are ready to respond if needed".
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, who issued the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities request, added: "While the fuel industry expects demand will return to its normal levels in the coming days, it's right that we take this sensible, precautionary step.
"The UK continues to have strong supplies of fuel, however we are aware of supply chain issues at fuel station forecourts and are taking steps to ease these as a matter of priority.
"If required, the deployment of military personnel will provide the supply chain with additional capacity as a temporary measure to help ease pressures caused by spikes in localised demand for fuel".
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