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8:20 PM 27th September 2021
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Statement Following Meeting Between The Business Secretary And Leading Business Representative Organisations

 


Image by IADE-Michoko from Pixabay
Image by IADE-Michoko from Pixabay
The Business and Energy Secretary today (27 September 2021) hosted one of his weekly calls with leaders from business groups to discuss fuel supply and high global gas prices.

During the call, Mr Kwarteng updated the business groups on his decision to temporarily relax competition law for the fuel industry. Known as The Downstream Oil Protocol, the measure will make it easier for industry to share information, so that they can more easily prioritise the delivery of fuel to the parts of the country and strategic locations that are most in need. The decision was welcomed by all business representative organisations present.

All participants joined the Business Secretary in thanking HGV drivers and petrol forecourt staff for their hard work during this challenging period. They also agreed that the public do not need to buy more fuel than they need, as there are ample national fuel stocks. This will also help ensure that the businesses we rely on do not face unnecessary disruption.

The Business Secretary also spoke about the issue of high global gas prices. He reiterated the government’s commitment to continue investment in renewable energy projects and getting unreliable gas off our grid as the only long-term solution to bringing down costs for consumers and strengthening Britain’s energy security, whilst boosting the country’s competitive advantage in green technologies.

Present on the call were:

British Chambers of Commerce
Institute of Directors
Make UK

The Confederation of British Industry and Federation of Small Businesses Confederation of British Industry were unable to attend.


Commenting on the ongoing fuel situation, Edmund King, AA president, said:
“For the vast majority of drivers there is no need to rush to the pumps, and we urge people to only fill up when essential. There is no need to top up ‘just in case’.

“Millions of drivers changed their refuelling habits this weekend, but once a tank is full it can’t be topped up. This short-term increase in demand should slow and allow forecourts time to restock. We anticipate things will return to normal within the coming days.

“Drivers also need to be careful because this weekend we have seen a dramatic rise in misfuelling (putting in the wrong fuel) compared to last weekend. This in turn unnecessarily reduces the fuel available as the whole tank has to be drained before refilling with the correct fuel.

“AA Patrols are still on hand and able to service our members as usual, so we can keep drivers out on the road.”