Petrol supply restored after tanker delivers summer fuel
THE TEMPORARY shortage of fuel across Shetland over the weekend was not caused by the North Ness fuel depot, its operator Certas Energy has said.
Petrol stations across the isles had to ration diesel and unleaded petrol over a two-day period as supplies were running low.
Some petrol stations ran out of fuel completely and had to close temporarily including both of Lerwick’s 24-hour garages.
The situation started to return to normality again on Sunday afternoon following a delivery of fuel to the North Ness depot earlier in the day.
In a statement provided by Certas Energy, known locally as Scottish Fuels, the company said the fuel shortage had been caused by a disruption in bringing fuel to the islands, rather than an issue with the depot.
“This shortage was not caused by Certas Energy, but by the supplier which supplies the island,” a company spokesperson said.
“Prior to delivery of the new summer spec, the depot is required to use up its reserves of the winter petrol spec. This is standard practice as the weather warms up at this time of year.
“The supplier carrying the summer spec petrol was briefly delayed due to shipping disruptions. The issue was resolved within 48 hours, the fuel has now arrived and deliveries have resumed.”
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