Drivers across the country have been fighting to fill up their cars over recent days - but should key workers be given priority to do so?

Healthcare staff and other key workers should have priority access to fuel amid supply issues, leading unions have warned.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said that as pumps run dry “there is a real risk that NHS staff won’t be able to do their jobs”.

Unison called on ministers to use emergency powers to “designate fuel stations for the sole use of key workers”.

And the Royal College of Nursing warned that the fuel supply problems could see patient care compromised as it backed calls for health and care workers to be prioritised.

It comes amid reports of doctors being unable to get to work due to the fuel crisis.

Campaign group EveryDoctor said that at least one NHS organisation held an emergency meeting after staff were unable to attend.

Unison’s general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The Government has to take control. It’s no good ministers wasting time on a pointless blame game or pretending there’s no problem.

“Essential staff must be able to get to their jobs so they can continue to provide the services so many rely upon.

“Ambulance crews, nurses, care workers, teaching assistants, police staff and other key workers mustn’t be left stranded or forced to queue for hours simply to get to a pump.

“The Government could solve this problem now by using emergency powers to designate fuel stations for the sole use of key workers.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also said designated petrol stations should be reserved for essential workers, adding: “In the fuel crisis of September 2000, the government brought in rules designating specific filling stations for essential workers, enabling the capital to keep moving.

“The Government must urgently look at taking the necessary steps so that those key workers who have to drive to work can do so.”

Here's what you said

We asked News Shopper readers whether they thought key workers should be given priority for fuel.

Here are some of the responses:

Marc Perni said: "Everyone has reasons to get about. If you start where do you stop?"

Jenny Sullivan said: "Just limit the amount people have & stop the gerry can buyers!!"

Sharon Turner said: "All essential workers should be given priority"

Katerina Urquhart said: "Just need these panic buyers to stop now!"

Jayne Tucker said: "If they can figure out how to get to the front of the queue then good luck to them."

Geod Taak said: "They should cap the amount of fuel per person."

Zara Martina Scotter said: "Anyone going to work to provide a roof over there families head is a key worker!"

Terry Leader said: "Everybody is a keyworker in there own certain way, just be polite and patient if an emergency service wants fuel."

Lesley Martin said: "Definitely funerals are being cancelled due to no fuel petrol stations should priority key workers."

Jason Tomlins said: "Define key workers"

Stephen Sangster said: "Of course - they should elect one station locally that should be used for key workers only."

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