UK to Grind to a Halt Over Gas Shortages. Again. Maybe.

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

Your faithful correspondent was in the UK in September 2000, during a truckers' strike that literally crippled the country. It was a scary ass reminder of the U.S. fuel shortages during the 70s Arab Oil Embargo, complete with fist-fights and long lines of cars that had run out of gas waiting for gas. It looks like UK is headed for more of the same, as 641 tanker drivers who supply 10 percent of UK petrol stations are set to strike over wages at Friday at 6am. The Times reports that the truckers are engaged in "last-ditch" talks with their employers. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting (as they say) that other fuel-price-beleaguered groups (e.g. farmers) could join a blockade of refineries and other distribution points. In a move of epic imbecility, the UK government has advised the general public not to panic– an advisory that's already set off panic pewtrol buying. There's a big difference this time 'round: after 2000, the government created an emergency plan to deal with the threat, including a significant police/military response. Unless, the strike is averted, and maybe even if it isn't, it's clear there'll be tears before bedtime.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

More by Robert Farago

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 15 comments
  • Wolven Wolven on Jun 11, 2008

    Never mind, I googled it. A somewhat meaningless "law" by the way... as opposed to, say, Murphys law.

  • Faster_than_rabbit Faster_than_rabbit on Jun 11, 2008

    Godwin's law is real. But I don't think it applies in this case. If you replace "Hitler" with "they," the content of the post carries the same tone.

  • Rtz Rtz on Jun 11, 2008

    Shut down the refineries and imports. That will put a stop to the protest. Think how well electric cars would be desired. What are you going to do? Shut off the power? Solar panels on the roofs....

  • Landcrusher Landcrusher on Jun 11, 2008

    Even if his ideas were off base, his Hitler reference was actually appropriate to his argument and not the type of thing I think Godwin's Law refers to.

Next