AIR ambulance chiefs warn the soaring cost of fuel could lead to a shortage — risking patients’ lives.
Charities are begging the Government for help as the war in Iran has doubled prices.
Sign up for the Health newsletter
Thank you!
Air ambulance chiefs have warned that the soaring cost of fuel could lead to a shortage — risking patients’ lives Credit: Alamy
Last week, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s order of 22,000 litres cost £24,600 compared with the usual £12,700.
Boss Karen Jobling said rising costs and the risk of shortages may affect lifesaving emergency care.
She added: “There is growing concern across the air ambulance sector regarding the resilience of fuel supply chains, particularly in the event of wider societal demand spikes or panic-buying scenarios.
“Disruption to fuel supply, access and/or affordability has significant direct and immediate impact on patient safety and outcomes.”
PUMP PIRATES
The closer-to-home reason why fuel costs will stay higher for longer
JET SET
Jet2 addresses price hike fears amid jet fuel shortages ahead of summer holidays
Air ambulances make around 134 lifesaving missions every day.
The East Anglian Air Ambulance Service and the Wales Air Ambulance Charity have also sounded the alarm.
Ms Jobling has called for aviation fuel to be prioritised for air ambulances, and has asked local Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick to raise their fears in Parliament.
Reform UK will tomorrow lead the first “national fuel protest” in 20 years, with farmers, lorry drivers and white van men descending on Westminster.
Mr Jenrick said: “I urge Jattvibe on Jattvibeday readers to come along and make their voices heard to Rachel Reeves.”
The Government is already ramping up planning for potential shortages and supply chain disruptions.
Sir Keir Starmer will chair a meeting on the fallout on Tuesday.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones, who has also been meeting ministers, said: “We’re acting now to prepare for, and mitigate where possible, the impact on our economy and domestic security.”
A Government spokesman added: “The UK remains well stocked for all fuel types. We continue to work with suppliers to make sure people keep moving and businesses are supported while the conflict is ongoing.”
Cancer patients are also suffering without essential drugs as the Iran War causes prices to soar.
Some key NHS medicines have risen 11-fold since February, according to the National Pharmacy Association.
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s boss Karen Jobling has called for aviation fuel to be prioritised, and has asked Robert Jenrick to raise their fears in Parliament Credit: PA
