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Britons have basked in glorious hot weather over the last couple of weeks, as temperatures soared to 30C following a wet and windy May. However, the rush to enjoy the sunshine before the drizzly weather returns has sparked a shortage in gas due to an influx of people making the most of the outdoors by having BBQs and travelling in their motorhomes. 

Home energy supplier Calor has now warned of a gas shortage for some customers due to delays while staff follow the Government’s Covid guidlines. 

It said in a statement on its website: “We’re continuing to work tirelessly to deliver gas safely to homes and businesses across the UK despite the many challenges caused by Covid-19.

“We continue to work safely at Calor following all Covid guidelines, but there is the possibility that people in vital roles such as drivers and customer service agents may have to take time off work.

“We therefore apologise if you experience longer waiting times as a result.” 

They added: “We are currently experiencing cylinder availability issues due to higher demand and restricted supply.

“Availability is evolving constantly but please be aware that some cylinder sizes are unavailable or limited to exchange only.

“For customers wishing to collect or return gas bottles, please call ahead to book an appointment with your local Calor Centre.”

Meanwhile, a number of caravans and motorhomes deliveries are also being delayed due to the lack of availability of gas cylinders.

Michael Hold at Adventure Leisure Vehicles in Cumbria, said: “Calor has misjudged the number of people buying barbecues and patio heaters and the volume of new buyers in the caravan and motorhome market.

“We can’t get new cylinders, only replacements for existing ones, and we’re having to buy cylinders on the ‘black market’.”

Calor responded: “The impact of the Covid pandemic has resulted in record demand for Calor Gas cylinders due to the prolonged lockdown, warm weather and the boom in UK staycations last year.

“While new cylinders have been ordered in significant quantities, the demand has continued to grow this year and is resulting in some shortages.

“This is, therefore, having an impact on sectors such as the caravan and leisure vehicle sector.

“The order for new cylinders was placed well in advance to meet the expected large demand –but the lead times for cylinders, which are manufactured overseas, has been significantly longer than previous years, caused by continued Covid issues in the manufacturing locations, increased global steel demand and increased global shipping demand.”

More to follow… 

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