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Can someone please explain to me what is going on with fuel and gas crisis in UK?
News cycles seem to move so quickly that it has moved to describing the crisis but I have no idea how the crisis was caused?!?!
A few days or a week ago I remember reading a headline somewhere about lack of HGV drivers to deliver fuel, then suddenly it is not only Phil McCann reporting from a petrol station it is also peoples utility bills going nuts?! and utility companies going bust?
Is it both piped gas and distributed liquid fuels? I don't get it.
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I think I found the answer myself ....
This month, energy prices in Europe have soared due largely to record-high prices for natural gas. Though gas prices have been steadily rising since spring, significant increases across Europe began only in mid-August, after Russia’s Gazprom sharply cut supplies to the EU via the Yamal-Europe pipeline. Last week, the company also declined to book additional capacity in pipelines that run through Ukraine in auctions for October. Other factors in the price hikes include the green energy transition, low reserves in gas storage facilities, expectations for a cold winter and increased global demand, especially in China.
The problem will have an impact on both consumers and businesses. It could be mitigated if Gazprom agreed to increase deliveries through Ukraine, but that doesn’t seem likely, in part because Russia may see an opportunity here. It wants Nord Stream 2 – construction on which was completed earlier this month – to be put in service as soon as possible, but concerns over Moscow’s potential use of the pipeline as a political tool may hold up the process. Rising prices for natural gas, therefore, could put pressure on politicians in Europe to clear any roadblocks.
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They are two separate issues completely unrelated to the other.
The natural gas is not just a UK issue, it's a whole of Europe issue, as you've already noted. No idea how that will play out, but it's rather co-incidental that Sunak has been talking about people converting to electric for everything this year and now this happens ... go figure.
The fuel one is just part of the weakened supply chain process due to the HGV driver shortage. In reality, it's not really a big deal, but because the media are splashing it everywhere, the general population is going into panic mode. Filling up their cars, gerry cans etc. It's absurd beyond belief.
Must also remember that because media, and twitter, have done nothing but create a narrative of mistrust the government at all costs, when Shapps says there is no lack of fuel, if people fill up normally then there will be no issue, nobody believe them and rushes out to fill up their cars, regardless of anything. I let the rush pass (as we did actually need fuel) then went out Saturday around 5pm (I had a theory that the football being on would taper demand - and I was right!) and straight in. I filled up my car, but I noticed all round me were people "filling up" as well, but it was only costing them 15-20 quid. I.e completely not normal behaviour.
Diesel seems to be in short supply around us, but petrol seems to be available everywhere again. In theory, this should be a short term thing as once everybody's car is full ... then what are they going to do?
It's the stupidity of modern Britain.
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@bones Most of the smaller ones had to close around as they were out after the full-on run. But if you went to the larger ones it was fine.
My neighbour only has diesel cars and had to go and fill up his Discovery from 20miles range at the local M25 services ... ouch!
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It's the stupidity of modern Britain.
You nailed it. In St Austell on Friday, a petrol station ran out of fuel as a tanker couldn't make a delivery as the queueing cars on the forecourt had blocked access to the refill point...
Mate of mine posted this from Banbury on Sunday.
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@victor-meldrew said in British Politics:
You nailed it. In St Austell on Friday, a petrol station ran out of fuel as a tanker couldn't make a delivery as the queueing cars on the forecourt had blocked access to the refill point...
Mate of mine posted this from Banbury on Sunday.
![0_1632732858690_c6f59a93-5109-46f1-972d-32c7e7b015e0-image.png](Uploading 100%)
Classic. The missus showed me that, only in the one I saw it was Petts Wood
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@victor-meldrew he should be proud to know he got plagar....plagi....his photo copied onto Orpington Gossip.
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@victor-meldrew said in British Politics:
@mikethesnow said in British Politics:
He left the diplomatic service to undertake a two-year walk across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal.
Sounds like a 1970's hippy...
Light on details there, but from what little I know of that region, it wouldn't be a light and casual tofu-based promenade with electric scooters and breezy kaftans.
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@majorrage said in British Politics:
Must also remember that because media, and twitter, have done nothing but create a narrative of mistrust the government at all costs, when Shapps says there is no lack of fuel, if people fill up normally then there will be no issue, nobody believe them and rushes out to fill up their cars, regardless of anything.
The Government have done a bang up job all of they're own doing
It's the stupidity of modern Britain.
And selfishness. There were people filling up each of their cars and extra cans despite working from home and driving less than 100 miles a week.
This is a supply and demand issue not a shortage of petrol let's all lose our fucking heads issue
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@mikethesnow said in British Politics:
@majorrage said in British Politics:
Must also remember that because media, and twitter, have done nothing but create a narrative of mistrust the government at all costs, when Shapps says there is no lack of fuel, if people fill up normally then there will be no issue, nobody believe them and rushes out to fill up their cars, regardless of anything.
The Government have done a bang up job all of they're own doing
They have made some colossal errors / bullshits as well, no question. Especially everything education related but at least Williamson has gone.
But the fuel is the same as the toilet paper, same as the supermarket shelves. IF people don't panic, and continue on as normal, then everybody will be fine.
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It's time to talk about the British Labour party.
In a time of crisis, which we should actually be past now, but of course, many a commentator will not allow, an opposition which holds to account, which has trust in the public, which does their job should be absolutely paramount to a functioning democracy. Paramount. Instead, here in Blighty, we have the British Labour party.
The Tories are a bit out of control in my view. There are too many lies, too many scandals, too many controversies - and as I said on the Springbok's chat, there is no smoke without fire. Something stinks in conservative land & it's not for the good of the country. But as it stands, I'll probably vote for them blindly in the next election, no question. Because the alternative is something much much worse.
It's Labour party conference week, and it's an absolute shit show. I actually get what Starmer's trying to do. I think he's trying to get my vote. He's alienating everything to do with Corbyn, to do with the hard left and trying to come across as much more moderate and business friendly. But him and his party are making an absolute shit show of it. You guys in NZ think Collins has no clue, take a look at the shower of shit served up here by Labour:
- Rayner, ex deputy leader called the Conservatives scum. Yeah, thats professional. Then doubled down and said won't apologise unless Boris apologies for all the racist & homophobic things he's said. A fair stance, if he's said / written them yesterday. Not 15 years ago in different times / different levels of acceptability. Oh and then justified it somewhat by also stating thats the way Northern people talk. Shout out to the north!
- Starmer, on Marr on Sunday, said it was wrong to say that only Woman have a cervix. Sorry mate, it's not. It's biology. And when talking about the context of NHS, which is about peoples health, not their identify ... it's a correct comment. How on earth will this win votes?
- The party can't seem to agree on anything. The hard left can't get their head around the fact that day in the sun has passed for the moment, whilst the more centred part of the party seem to think it's more important to ensure this never happens again by purging, as opposed to making the party united. It's crazy. Starmer is rejigging how leaders get in with votes (and it's passing for the most part)
Basically, Labour are at civil war with each other. I almost think the have to split, which is suicide for both sides. But then I also wonder how much people vote for the person as opposed to the party. If the likes of McDonnell, Whittome, Sultana etc. were on their own party up against Labour candidates how would they go?
Interesting times ahead!
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@majorrage said in British Politics:
@mikethesnow said in British Politics:
@majorrage said in British Politics:
Must also remember that because media, and twitter, have done nothing but create a narrative of mistrust the government at all costs, when Shapps says there is no lack of fuel, if people fill up normally then there will be no issue, nobody believe them and rushes out to fill up their cars, regardless of anything.
The Government have done a bang up job all of they're own doing
They have made some colossal errors / bullshits as well, no question. Especially everything education related but at least Williamson has gone.
But the fuel is the same as the toilet paper, same as the supermarket shelves. IF people don't panic, and continue on as normal, then everybody will be fine.
British Politics