A planned strike by Spanish hauliers and a price rise across the border have driven the panic buying of petrol from local outlets today with queues of vehicles often disrupting the flow of traffic. However, the Government says that local companies have contingency measures in place and the impact of the strike is expected to be “minimal.”

A spokesperson from Number Six said: “Local fuel companies have contingency measures in place in order to mitigate the impact of the Spanish hauliers’ strike. This includes the filling up of retail stations, yacht terminals, tanks and bunker barges. Impact on diesel or Marine Gasoil (MGO) is negligible as this is supplied by sea, and there is sufficient supply of Aviation fuel. HMGoG therefore does not expect there to be an impact on the supply or price of electricity locally as a result of the Spanish hauliers’ strike.

“A number of local fuel companies use 100% own-employed drivers and, therefore, they report that they expect there to be limited impact of the strike on supply to Gibraltar. The availability of petrol in Gibraltar is currently affected by panic buying, both by Gibraltarians in anticipation of the strike and by Spanish consumers affected by overnight price increases across the border. HMGoG is actively monitoring the situation as it develops and is in constant contact with the main local fuel supply companies.

“Contingency measures are in place to ensure that there is sufficient supply of petrol for essential service and public service vehicles and vessels in the event that the strike has a prolonged impact on the availability of petrol in Gibraltar.

"HMGoG reminds the public that the stockpiling of large quantities of fuel is extremely dangerous and is prohibited under the Petroleum Act. HMGoG strongly discourages people from buying more petrol than they normally would and they immediately need.”