Truckers Feeling Effects Of Fuel Shortage

Fuel shortages following this week’s Imperial Oil refinery fire are giving those who drive trucks for a living gas pains.

Some drivers complain they can’t find the diesel they need to fill up their rigs, while others balk at the recent price spike. Gas costs have soared by as much as 20 per cent in some cases.

Esso stations across the GTA had to admit they were out of fuel this week as the blaze caused a major shortage. Adding to that, the CN rail strike means it’s tough to get more supplies in.

The Ontario Trucking Association has asked the federal government if it can use off-road grade diesel fuel for now, to help ease the crunch.

“Even major truck stops that are not part of the Imperial Oil chain are having difficulties as well when trucks haul 90 per cent of all consumer products and foodstuffs in the province, 75 per cent of our trade with the U.S.,” said OTA President David Bradley.

“We’re concerned.”

Bradley wrote to federal Environment Minister John Baird to say that a failure to address the situation could have devastating economic consequences for Ontario.

“The industry is solely dependent upon diesel fuel. Should the current situation persist or get worse, the impact on the Ontario economy could be enormous,” Bradley said in a release.

Imperial Oil promises it’s fixing its Nanticoke refinery, where the fire occurred, and expects production to resume by the end of next week.

The company suggested this week’s price increase at the pumps has more to do with international factors than the blaze.

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