BRIGHTON, England (Reuters) – Transport Minister Grant Shapps on Sunday called on Britons to behave normally when buying petrol, saying there was no shortage of fuel and the government was stepping in to ease a shortage of drivers bringing it to petrol stations.

Long lines of motorists formed at petrol stations over the past few days as they waited for their fuel. After oil firms said that a shortage of drivers caused transportation problems, many operators closed gas stations or rationed supplies.

Sky News’ Robertson said that fuel is plentiful and there are no shortages in the country.

The most important thing to remember is that everyone should continue their normal activities and make sure they fill up their vehicles when they do. This will ensure there are no queues, and the pumps won’t be clogged.

Sunday’s announcement by the government included a proposal to grant temporary visas to 5 000 foreign truck drivers.

However, business leaders warned that it was a temporary fix and would not resolve the acute shortage of labour. It could also cause major disruption to fuel delivery.

Shapps called panic over fuel an “manufactured condition” and blamed the situation on a hauliers association.

He stated that they are trying to get more European drivers, which will result in lower salaries for British workers.