Empty gas stations. That's what has been happening to several Swedish drivers in recent days. In several places in the country, there is no gas.
Gas stations in several places in Sweden, which otherwise boasts the second-cheapest gasoline in Europe, have run dry of fuel. The problem arose after the turn of the year, when a tax cut made gasoline 75 Swedish ore cheaper per liter.
The lower price has prompted drivers to fill up in larger quantities, leading to shortages of gasoline at gas stations in various parts of the country. Among other things, gas stations along the E16 in western Dalarna have reported empty gas pumps.
"It feels sad in every way that we have been without gas at the pumps for four days," says pub manager Anders Elovsson to Falu-Kuriren .
The Din-X supermarket in Järlåsa between Uppsala and Heby has also experienced a shortage of both gasoline and diesel after the turn of the year, writes Upsala Nya Tidning.
The petrol company OKQ8 states that they are working "intensely" to solve the problem.
The shortage of petrol is being exacerbated by the general trend of a decline in the number of petrol stations in Sweden. This phenomenon, known as "tank-dod", is particularly affecting rural areas, where drivers now have to drive further to find a petrol station with petrol.
The situation raises concerns about whether drivers in Sweden will have stable access to gasoline in the future.
Especially in rural areas, a shortage of gasoline can have consequences for both private individuals and businesses that depend on their cars.
It is not yet known how long it will take to replenish the gasoline stocks at the affected gas stations. However, there is no indication that the government will raise the price of fuel.
Unlike the situation here in Denmark, where additional taxes were imposed on both gasoline and diesel from the New Year, cheap fuel is an election promise from the Swedish government.
In the meantime, drivers in Sweden must arm themselves with patience and plan their driving trips carefully. However, the Swedes are not the ones who can refuel the cheapest in Europe. Read more about it here .
