BP admits problems with LPG deliveries

Fuel giant BP has admitted that there have been delays in getting LPG supplies to farmers for grain dryers and has pledged to sort the situation out.

Farmers are reporting that deliveries – this year being handled by haulage firm Wincanton – are taking at least three days and in some cases over a week to arrive.

One producer who contacted FW said that two day deliveries were now taking five days and three deliveries were taking about a week to turn up.

Based in Wilshire he had been surprised when one lorry arrived that had come from Widnes in Cheshire – a journey of more than three hours.

“Now is the crucial time for supplies, but at the moment the service just isn’t there,” he said.

Wincanton declined to comment on the situation. But a spokeswoman for BP claimed the delays were down to high demand from growers and it was working with its contractor to get more drivers in place so deliveries speeded up.

“BP understands the pressures that farmers are under at this time of the year. We accept that not all customers have received prompt deliveries and that we have not maintained the high levels of service that they expect.

“We regret that some customers are facing difficulties and I can assure them that we are doing everything possible to rectify the situation.”

Read growers responses – and add your own – on the forums.
Read more about the harvest on our special report.