Commenting on the strike at Grangemouth oil refinery and the continued disruption to fuel supplies, Nicol Stephen, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland said:

“The everyday experience of people across Scotland highlights that this is not a time for complacency. I’ve visited petrol stations in Aberdeen today and every one of them is experiencing difficulties.

“The Government should have learned from the fuel shocks of 2000 the importance of providing clarity and certainty to reassure the public.

“It may be that the emergency powers are better put in force earlier rather than later. I have already written to the UK and Scottish Governments seeking reassurances that they are putting emergency plans in place to deal with this situation. This would help secure supplies and stop profiteering by fuel suppliers.

“The Government must make sure that the emergency services, fishermen, farmers, hauliers and vital public agencies have enough fuel to continue operating.”