Fuel Shortages in Uist Linked to Adverse Weather
Over the weekend, filling stations in Uist, located in the Western Isles, experienced petrol shortages. The supplier, Certas Energy, attributed the disruption to severe weather conditions that impeded fuel deliveries.
Certas Energy reported that its delivery ship was unable to dock at Loch Carnan in South Uist last week to replenish fuel stocks.
Uisdean Robertson, chairman of transportation and infrastructure at the islands authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, indicated that fuel could have been transported by road tanker from Lewis to mitigate the shortage.
Concerns were raised by district nurses and home carers regarding the availability of fuel necessary for their travel to provide essential services.
A fuel delivery is anticipated later on Tuesday to address the shortages.
Robertson detailed that two filling stations in North Uist ran out of petrol on Saturday, followed by a larger station in Benbecula on Sunday.
Diesel supplies were reportedly less affected by the delivery issues.
"There has been a lot of concern expressed mainly by district nurses and home carers,"Robertson stated.
"They do a significant amount of mileage between Eriskay and Berneray."
The Comhairle convened an emergency meeting on Monday evening to discuss the situation.
Robertson explained that fuel could have been transported south from Stornoway in Lewis by road tanker and then across the Sound of Harris via ferry, or alternatively by boat from Skye.
He praised ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne for their efforts, saying they had "bent over backwards" to provide assistance.
Certas Energy confirmed ongoing efforts to deliver fuel to the islands.
"Poor weather prevented our tanker from being able to discharge at Loch Carnan, and strong winds have also led to cancelled inter-island ferries and delays to fuel deliveries to Uist.
We are working hard with partners and suppliers to ensure fuel can be delivered later this week, to restore full operations as quickly as possible."
