Calls to protect vulnerable people in Derbyshire by not over-purchasing fuel
There have been frustrations with people buying unnecessary fuel for their vehicles.
Some sectors in Derbyshire have been calling on the people not to over-buy fuel after rumours there was a supply shortage last week.
People rushed to their nearest petrol stations in light of worries there may be a fuel shortage, and topped up their tank with extra supplies to avoid being caught out after they heard the news.
The reaction has now caused petrol stations to limit the amount of fuel being sold, with some restricting customers to a £30 limit for the time being until the issue has been resolved and concerns settle down.
Message to continue as normal
The emergency services have also been affected over the weekend, with some vehicles unable to get hold of the fuel they need to fulfil their journeys. These services are now asking people to follow the government's advice which is to only buy what they need, and avoid stocking up unnecessarily.
Not only have vehicles like ambulances been affected, but concern has also been raised for other sectors which protect vulnerable people and need to be able to access the regular amount fuel to get to them.
Simon from 'Meals on Wheels' in Amber Valley said: "If we weren't able to get hold of fuel it would massively impact how we operate. We need our vans on the road to be able to do what we do. Hopefully petrol stations and things will realise that key businesses such as ourselves are the priorities over other people."
Simon also added that he felt the reaction so far had been uneccessary. He stated:
"Panic buying is just crazy... Crazy. We're set up in a world where we operate just above stock level for most products we use, but obviously if people go out and buy early then suppliers struggle to meet the demand."
"We've got plenty of fuel in the country but it's just getting it out there. People have just filled their cars up and they'll just be sat on the drive. Normally people put ten or fifteen pounds worth of fuel in a week... But now even if they didn't need it they went and topped it up."