The NHS is being put under even more pressure by petrol panic buying and shortages.
Almost three-quarters of doctors in London and the South East fear there could be staff absences as critical workers struggle to get to work.
With Covid cases still high and the health service attempting to clear an unprecedented backlog of appointments, the government is being urged to give emergency workers priority access to fuel.
The petrol crisis has eased in most parts of the country but persists in the capital and surrounding areas.
Soldiers have been drafted in to drive tankers this week but health staff are still concerned shortages at the pump could lead to shortages on wards and in surgeries.
The BMA surveyed 2,084 doctors in England between October 1 and 4.
It said 74% of doctors in London and 72% of respondents in the South East think they will have major problems refuelling their car in the next few weeks.
This compares to 26% in North East and Yorkshire and 32% in North West.
The survey results showed 50% of doctors in London think that staff absences will occur next week.
Dr David Wrigley, BMA council deputy chair, said: ‘We asked the government last week to prioritise access to fuel for emergency and essential workers and as yet there has been no affirmative action, leading to doctors telling us that their services will be disrupted as a result.’
He said there is a ‘very real possibility that some patients will miss out on their appointments’.
He added: ‘We ask that immediate consideration is given to essential and emergency workers in this ongoing situation and that urgent guidance is issued to allow easier access to fuel.’
The Petrol Retailers Association said while there has been a ‘marked improvement’ in the fuel situation since Sunday across most of the country, the picture in London and the South East has only seen a ‘marginal improvement’.
As of yesterday, more than a fifth of stations in London and the South East still don’t have fuel despite 200 military personnel being redeployed to drive lorries.
The BMA warned rural surgeries where public transport links don’t exist could be particularly pressed.
A government spokesperson said: ‘It’s important to stress there is no shortage of fuel in the UK, and people should continue to buy fuel as normal.
‘We are working closely with industry to help increase fuel stocks and there are signs of improvement in average forecourt stocks across the UK with demand continuing to stabilise.
‘Several measures have been taken to remedy the issue, including relaxing competition law, utilising our Reserve Tanker Fleet, and using military personnel to drive tankers.’
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Source: Metro
