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The UK government has said that drivers are experiencing problems sourcing petrol - and that this is caused by a shortage of heavy goods vehicle drivers. The UK-specific reasons for that include the departure of drivers from the EU because of Brexit and the pandemic, but the truck driver shortage is a global problem.

Edwin Atema from the Dutch-based FNV union explains the situation in the EU. He says the industry is largely unregulated and exploitative, relying on eastern European drivers and beyond, with instances of foreign workers undercutting local drivers. There are also problems with retaining drivers as they experience long periods of time away from home, with few career prospects.

US-based sociologist, Steve Viscelli describes the situation in the US. He says for many years, drivers come from other industries and the industry was dependent on them. However, now, trucking is a job of 'last resort', with decades-long infrastructure and working practice problems only now being addressed.

"Only with empty shelves will the industry and suppliers take it seriously. ... Transport workers keep the world moving." Edwin Atema

Photo: A man shops in a barely stocked supermarket Credit: Getty Images

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