THE ongoing fuel crisis continued to dominate the newspapers comment sections.

The Daily Express

The newspaper’s leader column said hard-pressed motorists are being ripped off as petrol firms cash in on demand, ramping up prices to above £1.50 a litre.

“Some expect fuel to spike a further 10p a litre,” it said. “ Firstly, drivers should stop panic buying. Secondly, key workers should get priority. Those who don’t need to use their cars must consider alternative transport until matters settle.”

It said should Boris Johnson approve proposals for the army driving tankers - and allow temporary visas for 5,000 EU workers to return - then let it happen.

“Meanwhile, cynical price-gougers should be remembered and a watchdog established.

“Finally, the crisis shows that we must continue to hasten the take-up of more secure, greener forms of fuel.”

The Guardian

Tim Burrows joined the queues of motorists at petrol stations because his wife was planning to drive to visit her new grandson and their tank was empty.

“Each station I reached had run out of fuel,” he said. “People seemed genuinely … pumped. One woman was grinning from ear to ear: “Crazy isn’t it?””

He said his experience at the pumps was a reminder that these kinds of disruptions – ‘when our dependence on essential workers is briefly made visible, along with the fragility of any social order – contain an element of carnivalesque.’

“Compared to a deadly pandemic, the weekend’s fuel crisis – and we’ll see how it plays out over the coming days and weeks – seemed almost enjoyable.”

The Independent

The paper’s leader column said there was no quicker way to get petrol to the pumps than to bring in the army.

“In crisis after civilian crisis over the years – flood relief, providing minimum cover during fire strikes, administering Covid vaccines – the forces have been there for the nation,” it said. “They are the Anadin to the pain of national emergencies – nothing acts faster.

It said deploying the army is a step that no government should take casually, not least because the armed forces have a day job to do, but when the need is great and the role appropriate, then they certainly have a part to play

“Even if there are only a few of them, using military drivers would help, and we are told by ministers that the shortage of drivers is comparatively slight. The troops will be prepared to go out in a few days.

“The nation will be thankful by the tankful.”