The UK is suffering the effects of panic buying petrol and competition laws have been suspended.
The business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng announced the move in order for the fuel industry to resupply the areas that need it most, where petrol and diesel is running short.
A shortage of HGV drivers led to fuel shortages. Reports of this led to panic buying by motorists and long queues leading up to petrol stations, many of which are running empty.
Queues continued on Monday morning and the government have been forced to suspend competition law across the country.
This measure was made to ensure petrol stations would receive a regular supply of petrol, alongside announcements that the government will offer temporary visas to lorry drivers, lasting until Christmas Eve.
What is competition law?
Competition is good for business.
Ratified under the the Competition Act 1998, it forces companies to find better ways of becoming more innovative in improving costs, so that the consumer can be charged less.
When one company charges less for one product, it forces others to do the same and become equally innovative.
However, larger companies that are the main producers or sellers of one product could, in theory, make agreements between each other to keep prices high without competition law.
This could cause companies to take advantage of the need and demand for one product and make agreements to keep prices high.
Or they may choose to keep production low, which drives up prices.
As a result of competition law, communication - or the particular type of information shared - between companies in the same industry must be kept to a minimum.
Why has competition law been suspended?
In special circumstances, competition law can be suspended, so companies are able to talk to each other about what areas need to be resupplied.
Competition law was also briefly suspended when shortages arose during the Covid-19 pandemic.
When there are oil supply problems, the government can trigger The Downstream Oil Protocol, in order for petrol companies to be able to liaise with each other and help each other resupply.
Competition law dictates that they would not normally be allowed to do this.
The business secretary said: "While there has always been and continues to be plenty of fuel at refineries and terminals, we are aware that there have been some issues with supply chains.
"This is why we will enact the Downstream Oil Protocol to ensure industry can share vital information and work together more effectively to ensure disruption is minimised."
