Month: March 2012

For my other stories on the ongoing petrol strike/not strike no-fuel situation:

Filled Up
Strike

When we were in the process of filling up, I saw a police car in the queue to, I assume, get petrol.  At the time, I remember thinking how odd that is.  I assumed emergency services (police, fire, ambulances, etc…) would have their own supply depot somewhere.  I put it out of my mind…until today.

Today, there is a story in the Telegraph that says 999 (the UK version of 911) vehicles are having difficulties filling up their tanks due to shortages, closed stations, and sale limits.  WOW!  I’m really shocked now that the emergency services don’t have their own depot for fueling.

[Update 2012-03-31 08:19:50] Here’s a good summary of the events so far.

[Update 2012-04-19 09:36:06] There was an agreement; however, the union has rejected it.  No strike news yet.

Image from carlos62 via flickr

Does the sign above look like a man shaking out a wet umbrella?  I hadn’t seen it before someone pointed it out; however, now, that is all I see.  Supposedly, the humps were added a few years ago to make it look less like that and more like what it is supposed to mean:  road works ahead.

I blogged yesterday about the petrol lorry driver strike potential petrol lorry driver strike and decided to take precautions.  I bought a few cans and filled up my tank yesterday.  I plan to keep the tank full for the next month (they have 28 days to actually go on strike) by topping off every few days.  I really resent the idea portrayed in the media that I was “panic” buying fuel.  I did no such thing….I saw a situation and took adequate (really less than adequate as I would prefer to have about 30 gal of diesel held back) measures to prepare.  This is no different than keeping a weeks worth of food in your house.

Why do I feel accused of panic buying?  Well, look at the survey on this page.  Look at the question:

Do you intend to panic buy fuel

Then look at the answers.  There’s only three:

Yes, I don’t want to be left stranded
No, it is irresponsible and would make matters worse
I will wait until a strike gets closer until I refuel

Umm…where’s the no but I am getting fuel anyway.  Why isn’t what I did panic buying?  Well, I didn’t run out in a rush, for one thing.  I didn’t punch anyone or ram anyone’s car.  I found an open station–I drove by 4 that were either totally out or out of diesel–and bought my fuel.  Paid.  Left.

In my mind, I’m doing the responsible thing to take care of myself and family.  The government wishes everyone would do the equivalent of “herd into the Superdome” and wait out the storm by the leave of the government.  No thank you.

[Update 2012-03-31 08:16:36] Now there are calls for rationing so 999 drivers and emergency services can get the fuel the need.

[Update 2012-04-19 09:36:06] There was an agreement; however, the union has rejected it.  No strike news yet.

Image from tim walker via flickr

Well, the petrol lorry drivers (the guys who deliver petrol….tanker truck drivers) voted yesterday to go on strike.  No one is sure when it will happen; however, everyone expects it to happen around the Easter holiday (that happens to be a 4 day weekend here).  I think the best quote ever came from this page on the Telegraph’s website (if it isn’t at the top of the page, scroll down to the 11:50 entry):

More advice from the Government on the UK fuel strike – they don’t want to cause panic, but Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude has advised motorists to keep a jerry can of fuel in their garage, and the Prime Minister has suggested topping up your tank when you have the chance.  Mr Maude doesn’t want to see anyone “rushing around in a mad dash” – only mild, restrained panic please.

I find that hillarious.  no need for mad dashes….just semi-hurried dashes.  As No. 10 has advised people to make plans…..  How are people supposed to take it?

Oh, before anyone asks, we are taking precautions.  They don’t have many 20l jerrycans here so I bought a few 5l ones.  10l of fuel won’t get us far but will get us to the hospital or airport in an emergency.  We also plan to keep our tank topped up (daily if needed).

[Update 2012-03-30 06:53:35]  Am I “panic buying” fuel?  Where is the “I’m being a responsible citizen/resident” option?

[Update 2012-03-31 08:16:36] Now there are calls for rationing so 999 drivers and emergency services can get the fuel the need.

[Update 2012-04-19 09:36:06] There was an agreement; however, the union has rejected it.  No strike news yet.

Image from didbygraham via flickr

Here in Merry Olde England (see how I worked that in) we are under a drought.  At the time of year when we should have  loads of water, a hosepipe ban (water hose ban…but basically water restrictions) are being implemented.  We’ve had record low rainfall for the past 2 years and we are feeling the effects.  Right now, the restrictions are mostly voluntary (except for banning the use of hoses outside) but if it continues, the water companies may be forced to implement mandatory measures for homes and businesses.

[Update 2012-06-13 12:14:16] This has turned into the wettest drought I have ever seen.

Image from rob gallop via flickr