With the current fuel crisis leading to lengthy queues at petrol stations, drivers have been looking for alternative ways to fill up their cars and other methods of transportation.
Figures show that the sale of Jerry cans have increased significantly this weekend as motorists continue to rush to petrol stations across the UK.
The Manchester Evening News has reported that Halfords have recorded a 17 fold rise in the number of jerry cans sold this weekend compared to the week before.
The containers, used by motorists to stockpile fuel, was the fourth most common search term on the retailer’s website.
The sales for the fuel storage containers come even after there have been assurances that there is currently no fuel shortage as multiple supermarkets and government officials urge drivers to stop panic buying.
Petrol stations that are run by the EG Group have now introduced a £30 limit to help curb the panic buying and make sure that everyone has a fair chance to refill their vehicles.
As the fuel crisis continues, other drivers may be looking to switch their mode of transportation, as Halfords have also reported a 23% spike in sales of bikes and electric bikes.
Searches for electric vehicles have increased, according to automotive classified ad firm AutoTrader. The firm have said that searches across Saturday and Sunday were 60% higher than the previous weekend.
Auto Trader commercial director Ian Plummer said range anxiety, which involves motorists being concerned that an EV will run flat during a journey, has been replaced by “fuel anxiety”.
This has led to “a massive surge in consumer engagement for electric cars”, he explained.
Mr Plummer urged the Government to take advantage of the shortage at filling stations to encourage more people to buy an EV.
He said: “Concern about petrol availability won’t end when the pumps start up again, and so this increased interest represents a unique opportunity to inform, to excite and to incentivise car owners to make the switch."
“If the Government is serious about reaching its 2030 targets, then it is one it can ill afford to miss.”
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