Shell, BP, Esso drivers warn of ‘fuel crisis’ and ‘potential shortages’

Motorists have been given an urgent warning of an impending fuel crisis. Drivers are being warned of possible fuel shortages in the north-west of England and along the Scottish borders as a number of tanker drivers go on strike.

Workers deliver fuel from the Stanlow oil terminal to Shell, BP and Esso yards in the affected areas and Jet2 at Liverpool Airport. About 50 drivers at the Stanlow oil refinery, who work for Hoyer, which has recently renamed itself Oxalis, are angry that their wage offer is significantly lower than their colleagues in other parts of the country. Fo

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said in a statement today: “Oxalis treats its drivers in Stanlow as second class workers. There is absolutely no reason why this profitable company should not pay these workers the same rates as their colleagues elsewhere. They will have the full support of Unite as they strike for equal pay.”

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Workers deliver fuel from the Stanlow oil terminal to Shell, BP and Esso yards, predominantly across the North West and Scottish borders, and to airlines including Jet2 at Liverpool Airport.

The workers will strike between June 6-8 and June 13-15. The industrial action will cause significant disruption to fuel supplies across the North West Borders and Scotland. If the dispute is not resolved, an additional strike will be called.

Unite regional officer Paul Lomax said: “Oxalis customers will not be happy that their customers are facing a fuel shortage as the company tries to pay drivers in Stanlow less than their colleagues doing the same job elsewhere. Oxalis must present an equal offer or this dispute will escalate.”

The workers are angry. Oxalis drivers in Thurrock and Birmingham were paid £2 an hour more than Stanlow drivers.