Eco mob cause UK fuel shortage as one in three petrol stations in the South close

10 April 2022, 17:02

Climate campaigners have sparked a fuel shortage in Britain after days of blocking major oil terminals across the nation.

According to Campaign for Fair Fuel, as many as one in three petrol stations in the South of England have been forced to close after running out of fuel.

An estimated 1,200 pumps have run dry after 80 Just Stop Oil activists blocked oil terminals in Hertfordshire, Essex and Warwickshire on Sunday morning.

Mass protests this week have reportedly seen over 800 arrests across the country, including 338 in Essex, as police claim campaigners are putting "lives at risk".

It is expected the protests will continue to significantly impact on fuel availability at petrol pumps across the South East and the Midlands.

Drivers in Cornwall, Newport Wales, Essex and Hertfordshire are having difficulties filling up their tanks today.

Read more: Inquiry into how Sunak's wife's tax status leaked as 'he hunts Labour-backing official'

Just Stop Oil activist glues his hand to the microphone

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin of Essex Police said: "We cannot stand by while criminal acts are being committed, and lives are being put at risk, in the name of protest.

"We are not anti-protest. Our job is to preserve life and catch criminals, and that's what we're going to do.

"Today's protest is exceptionally dangerous due to where the protesters have located themselves within the site.

"Our officers have been diligent in ensuring that all protesters know the risks involved, and we've been working hard to minimise the dangers this morning.

"Put simply: we don't want anyone to get hurt."

The force has said that policing protests in Thurrock had cost Essex Police "in excess of £1 million".

Mr Pavelin said of the protesters whose "acts of criminality on site are not only illegal, but they are continuing to put themselves and our officers at real risk of harm and that is unacceptable."

Read more: Met officer slashed after police called to 'man armed with a machete' in east London

Tanker driver warns eco-mob could prolong fuel shortages

The impact of the protests is being felt by the people of Essex and beyond, he said. These "protests continue to impact the people of Essex and beyond".

He added: "We've been lucky to have extra support from specialist officers from across the country, to support some of our officers continuing with their day jobs."

The force is working with organisations including Thurrock Council, the East of England Ambulance Service, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service plus the local fuel companies to try over the protests while also having to deal with local crime.

Warwickshire Police said that a further 29 arrests have been made this weekend in connection with ongoing protests at Kingsbury Oil Terminal.

Those in custody have been arrested for offences including criminal damage, conspiracy to cause criminal damage and conspiracy to commit public nuisance in what Assistant Chief Constable Ben Smith described as "another busy weekend" for the force.

Read more: Trans police officers who were born male but identify as female can search women

This takes the total number of arrests to 180 since the protests began on April 1.

Mr Smith, who said there would be a heightened police presence at the site over the coming days, added: "This weekend's protest activity has been contained to the Piccadilly Way area and has caused little disruption to the wider community, or to the operations of the oil terminal.

"While we will always recognise and respect the public's right to peaceful protest, we will take action against anyone who breaks the law or causes significant impact on the local community."

He thanked the public for their ongoing patience and said the force is working to minimise disruption to the local community and the road networks.