A statement has been used the the trade association UKIFDA today, and reads:
"Following the recent Government announcements, we would like to reassure consumers of liquid fuel that as suppliers of essential heating oil and transport fuels, our UKIFDA Full Members are included in the key worker definition. Their core staff continue to work very hard in the face of unprecedented demand – there really is no need for panic buying – and so it would be in the interests of your local community if consumers were encouraged to follow this advice.
- Be patient – trust your regular supplier. Tell them when you will run out so that they can prioritise. Be honest.
- Explain your circumstances – perhaps you are self-isolating or in one of the vulnerable groups classified by the Government or aged 70+.
- Don’t order if you don’t need oil at the moment. This will help spread demand over a wider time period and better fit to resources available given that any driver who shows signs of the virus must self-isolate. ...
...The wellbeing of our Members staff and customers remains a priority and our Members are putting in place reasonable and proportionate arrangements to protect their staff (both office based and delivery drivers) and customers. This includes following Public Health guidance including:
- Washing your hands with soap and water often.
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and putting it in the bin straight away.
- Not touching your face if your hands are not clean.
Specific arrangements will vary from distributor to distributor – so please check your UKIFDA supplier’s website or ask them when ordering by telephone – but they may include: –
- Asking customers to keeping a distance from delivery drivers
- Introducing contactless delivery so customers do not come into contact with a driver’s handheld device or paperwork to confirm delivery/receipt.
- As part of contactless delivery, advising customers that cheques and cash cannot be accepted as a form of payment.
- Advising customers not to attend the premises of liquid fuels distributors and to work with members if they request to hold video or telephone meetings in place of face-to-face
- Asking customers to refrain from shaking hands
This is a rapidly evolving situation, which we and our Members are monitoring carefully. The situation is kept under constant review and any change in guidance will be based on Government and scientific advice."
The full statement issued by UKIFDA can be accessed here: https://ukifda.org/covid-19-advice-for-consumers-of-liquid-fuels/
In light of the situation Gleaner has earlier in the week issued our own information to customers. We would urge customers to read this and follow the precautions put in place to protect both customers and staff.
