The pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives, but the simple act of driving has been largely unaffected.
Unfortunately, that could change as CNN is reporting gas shortages could be on the horizon but not because of a lack of supply.
Instead, the issue is a shortage of drivers who deliver fuel to gas stations. The publication notes the National Tank Truck Carriers association says 20-25% of tanker trucks are parked due to a lack of qualified drivers and that’s roughly double what it was at this point in 2019.
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A variety of factors are to blame including a sudden drop in demand for gasoline in the early stages of the pandemic, an aging workforce and drivers who simply don’t want to deal with the new safety protocols. On top of that, many truck driving schools were closed due to the pandemic and this disrupted the supply of new drivers entering the workforce.
As National Tank Truck Carriers executive vice president, Ryan Streblow, explained “We’ve been dealing with a driver shortage for a while, but the pandemic took that issue and metastasized it.”
As a result, gas stations could have trouble getting fuel delivered and may run out before their supplies are replenished. An analyst told the publication vacation hotspots are most likely to be impacted and noted there have already been shortages in Florida during Spring Break. He went on to suggest shortages could potentially set off a run on gasoline as consumers could be spooked by seeing gas stations without gas.
Even if that doesn’t happen, consumers could be on the hook for more money as trucking companies are increasing wages to attract drivers and these costs will get passed on to customers.
