(Adds BP, Esso statements)
LONDON, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Oil company BP said on
Thursday it had temporarily closed some of its petrol forecourts
in Britain after its ability to transport fuel from refineries
was hit by an industry wide shortage of truck drivers.
"We are experiencing some fuel supply issues at some of our
retail sites in the UK and unfortunately have therefore seen a
handful of sites temporarily close due to a lack of both
unleaded and diesel grades," BP said in a statement on Thursday.
BP, which has about 1,200 branded stations across the United
Kingdom, said it was taking action to address the issue.
"We continue to work with our haulier supplier to minimise
any future disruption and to ensure efficient and effective
deliveries to serve our customers," it said.
BP said it was prioritising deliveries to motorway service
areas, major trunk roads and sites with the largest demand and
seeking to minimise the duration of "stock outs".
ExxonMobil's Esso said a small number of its 200
Tesco Alliance retail sites in the UK had also been
impacted.
"We are working closely with all parties in our distribution
network to optimise supplies and minimise any inconvenience to
customers," it said in a statement.
The drivers' shortage has also caused widespread disruption
to Britain's food sector.
The trucking industry has said it needs another 90,000
drivers to meet demand after Brexit made it harder for European
workers to drive in Britain and the COVID-19 pandemic prevented
new workers from qualifying.
(Reporting by Kate Holton, James Davey and Michael Holden
Editing by Paul Sandle)