Tanker Drivers

Graham_Devon

thorsoak wrote: »

"Since yesterday, it’s estimated that petrol sales have rocketed by 80 percent and diesel by 45 percent, following advice from the UK government that people should fill up as and when they can. And prices of fuel have also surged, leading to accusations of profiteering by some forecourts.
The BBC reported that vehicles were following petrol tankers into petrol stations and then waiting patiently for the pumps to start working again. Increased sales on fuel are expected to bring in 32 million on fuel duty."

Source: Channelbiz.co.uk

I rest my case!

People are not using more fuel though.

It's just expenditure being bought forward a few days in some cases. After that, saled will fall for a few days. Everyone is using the same amounts, so it makes little difference.

thorsoak

But it will make a difference to the figures in the first quarter of this year in the government's revenue accounts. I agree - people will be thinking carefully about driving anywhere too far if this "threat" reamains - but as talks are now scheduled to take place on Monday of next week, the immenent "strike" is put back somewhat!

It just "massages" the accounts a tad!

Graham_Devon

thorsoak wrote: »

But it will make a difference to the figures in the first quarter of this year in the government's revenue accounts.

A very very small difference. One which, if you follow your rule of thumb, will show in the next quarter figures.

Unless you get people to actually burn more fuel, you are no better off.

Going4TheDream

robmatic wrote: »

What nonsense is this? You get tax relief on all contributions to pensions.

And to be honest in recent years people are probably better off with 'frozen' pensions. Frozen DB pensions increase in line with inflation which is better than the pay increases most people have been getting.

Yes you are right you get tax relief on both but with the former your employer pays the tax back in your wages so you pay less at source.
With a private pension your tax relief is added effectively to your pension contribution. I wouldnt agree that a private pension is better, most charge higher fees and obviously you miss out on the employers contributions which is tax free money going into the pot.... Perhaps my explanation was a bit rubbish.

Davesnave

Graham_Devon wrote: »

It appears to be a city thing.

Had no problems filling up at BP earlier. Drove straight to a pump and filled up. Only me and another car there.

Yes, but we're in the right county;the one where everyone knows someone with a tank.....;):rotfl:

vivatifosi

I know a few petrol tanker drivers. You can't grow up in the shadows of Buncefield without knowing a few. I don't know any that are on £45k, nor do I know any that are the type who go out on strike without very good reason. They are more solid, dependable types, the sort of people you would want driving flammables around. I am amazed they are striking tbh. Things must be bad.

lostinrates

lostinrates wrote: »

But what will happen to all this stashed fuel? People will use it sometime when they would have bought more, presumably.

It has occured to me this could, to a degree, be like the tin of chocolates at christmas and people eat (drive) when they wouldn't because its there.

aliasojo

tartanterra wrote: »

I'm sure that if these drivers are unhappy about getting paid £45K, then there are plenty of ex forces personnel who will be quite happy to replace them.

Out of the tanker drivers I know or know of, 4 are ex forces. Their old Army mates support them in this and several have said they don't want to drive the tankers in these circumstances.

Doesn't matter who the bodies are that are driving the tankers, unless a stand is made now, men will get shafted. The big companies are not in the business of caring, they are profit driven, pure and simple.

tartanterra

aliasojo wrote: »

The big companies are not in the business of caring, they are profit driven

Of course they are profit driven.

Why would anyone want to run loss making businesses?:huh:

aliasojo

tartanterra wrote: »

Of course they are profit driven.

Why would anyone want to run loss making businesses?:huh:

Now you are just being obtuse.

I'll leave you to it.