WORD ON THE STREET: How Basingstoke feels about the fuel crisis

The oil companies have said they expect the pressure on forecourts to ease in the coming days, with many cars carrying more fuel than usual, but it was not exactly the case for most motorists queuing up for fuel outside Morrisons petrol station in Basingstoke this morning (Tuesday).

The Gazette spoke to people waiting in the queue who reported that at least five petrol pumps in the town were closed.

“We are not panic buyers, we just need to fill our tanks a little so that it won’t stop in the middle of the road,” said Sylvie Wilkinson, who criticised people who blame the whole crisis on ‘panic buyers’.

“I know there are people who fill fuels in cans. But look at all the people in this queue. I can’t speak for all, but I think most are here to fill their tank a little so that they can go to work.”

“It’s incredibly frustrating. I’m literally almost under the red line now. And I’ve got to drive 85 miles to Derby for work tomorrow.”

Tracy Zappia, a care worker who was waiting in the queue, said she was worried if she would make it to work on time.

Tracy Zappia waiting in the queue

“I’m a key worker. I’m supposed to be at work in another 20 minutes, but it looks like I will be in this queue for at least an hour,” Tracy told the Gazette.

“I’m not a panic buyer. This is the first time I’m coming to a petrol pump after this crisis started. I was waiting, hoping it would end. I had half a tank when it started, but I’m getting empty now.”

Tracy also pleaded to other motorists who don’t need fuel urgently to leave the queue so that key workers can get to work quickly.

“If people who are not carers, who are not in NHS, can go home, then I can go and get my petrol.”

Taxi drivers have also been hugely affected by the long queues in front of fuel stations.

“It’s a joke,” said Shaun Willans, who has been waiting for 20 minutes, when we spoke to him.

“People are going mad. I’m a taxi driver and I need petrol for my job every day.

“It’s a struggle. I’m losing money waiting here.”

Shaun added that things have not got better compared to the weekend.

“I got out at 5 in the morning today (Tuesday) to get some petrol. Nobody in Basingstoke had any at that time. I was speaking to people at garages. None of them know when the tankers are coming in again.”

Bino Philip, another taxi driver from Basingstoke, said he cannot work until he fills his tank today.

Bino Philip outside the Morrisons petrol pump in Basingstoke

“We don’t have any other option,” Bino said.

“The warning sign is on now on my car. I’m just hoping there will be petrol when I reach the end of the queue.”

Delivery drivers have also been affected by the long queues. Waiting outside the petrol station, Fabricio Pereira, a delivery driver, said he doesn’t have the fuel to go to another pump.

“It is frustrating,” Fabricio said.

“I have been here for 30 minutes. But I’m willing to wait as long as it takes because I don’t have enough petrol to leave this station.”

The long queue outside Morrisons petrol pump in Basingstoke on Tuesday

But Rob from Basingstoke, who did not want to share his last name, is positive that the situation will get improve soon.

“It is not as bad as the petrol strike of 1998 when the Army drivers had to be deployed to solve the crisis,” Rob recalled.

“When we get to this situation you have to do what you have to do. But I have seen pictures of people filling cans with petrol, which is ridiculous.

“It’s not just affecting the people waiting to get fuel. It is affecting the whole infrastructure. People are getting blocked because of these long queues.”