| A 20-strong queue of vehicles at Sainsbury’s on Baldovie Road stretched round the supermarket’s car park today, with motorists stocking up on petrol and diesel to see them through the weekend.
But taxi driver Stan Roberts said that people in the city would be lucky to get a taxi in Dundee because of the continuing scramble for fuel.
“We’re all struggling,” he explained.
“Then there are people in 4x4s filling up their tanks and then filling up canisters — it’s about time petrol stations started to introduce a quota for £15 or £20 so that everyone gets a fair chance.”
Meanwhile, at Morrisons petrol station, off Fountainbleau Drive, taxi driver Brian Marnie said he was making preparations for the days to come.
“I need diesel and I’ve been to a few petrol stations that have run out,” he said.
“I’m away to fill up containers just to be on the safe side — a lot of other taxis drivers are doing it too.”
Despite the effects panic buying appears to be having on businesses such as the taxi industry, consumers at the pumps today were determined to get their fair share.
Graeme Stephen, chairman of the Dundee Taxi Association, said the organisation’s members could be advised not to make out-of-town journeys if the crisis worsens.
He said, “We are obviously very aware of the situation. Last night, I finished at 4am and tried to fill up, but it was only when I went to a third station that I managed to get the car filled up — and even then I had to pay £1.21 for a litre at the West Marketgait station.
“If the shortages continue, then I will advise my members they shouldn’t do out-of-town work because it clocks up too many miles that can’t be justified if there’s a lack of fuel.
“The taxis will also be less likely to get about looking for passengers and instead they will have to go to the ranks.”
He also raised concern that taxis will be unlikely to receive any priority for fuel.
“Emergency services will be given priority, which is quite right, but there are many workers within these services who rely on taxis to get to their work.
“Taxi drivers need to put food on the table and without the fuel we can’t earn a penny.
“Even although I have heard the continued advice to not panic about fuel running out, I find it hard to believe there wont be a problem if the oil refinery supplier in Scotland closes down.”
John Reilly, secretary of the Dundee Wheelchair Taxi Association, said, “I’ve had no problems filling up and used the station at Bullionfield early this morning when I finished. At this stage, none of my members have expressed any concerns.
“It might mean waiting that little bit longer at the pumps, but the drivers still seem to be getting their fuel.”
Mr Reilly conceded that, if panic buying persisted, there would “most definitely” be a problem for taxi drivers.
“There may be something sorted out at the 11th hour,” he went on.
“If people are that concerned, I think car sharing would be an option to free up fuel for other businesses and the emergency services.” |
