LOBBYING

As governments around the world are beginning to introduce fuel-saving measures in response to the war in the Middle East, fears are being raised about the need for similar measures here in the UK. If there were any need here, pest management professionals should be given priority access.

BPCA has written to Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, to ask that pest professionals be included in the National Emergency Plan for Fuel, setting out the sector’s case as an essential service and key workers.

SPEED READ

• BPCA has written to government calling for pest professionals to be recognised as key workers in any fuel prioritisation plans
• Global disruption to oil supply has pushed up UK fuel prices, raising concerns about potential future restrictions
• Pest management underpins healthcare, food supply, infrastructure and housing, making it an essential service
• Without fuel access, technicians cannot reach sites, creating risks to public health and service continuity
• Members are encouraged to plan ahead, prioritise high-risk work and maintain clear communication with clients.

On 28 February, Israel and the US launched airstrikes against Iran. In response, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and production sites across the region.

As so much oil is produced by the region, with much of it now unable to leave through the Strait, prices have surged, impacting prices at the pump here at home.

The RAC, which has been tracking prices, recorded increases of 42.9p and 21.6p a litre for diesel and petrol, respectively, as of 2 April.

Will we run out of fuel?

While other countries are starting to introduce measures to cut down on energy usage and save fuel due to their own shortages, the government is trying to calm fears of such measures being necessary here too.

Although government has repeatedly stated that there will be no need to ration fuel in any form, the Housing Secretary Steve Reed while on Sky News, added that “there’s always a contingency plan.”

On 23 March, Sir Kier Starmer chaired a COBR meeting to discuss the economic impact of the war in the Middle East.

A joint statement from Fuels Industry UK and The Petrol Retailers Association has also sought to make clear that “supply across the UK is flowing normally.”

What if there is a need?

The government has contingencies in place for many crises, including the National Emergency Plan for Fuel, which sets out how the UK would respond to a major fuel supply disruption.

The plan prioritises the protection of life and the alleviation of suffering and includes a Commercial Distribution Scheme, which prioritises supply to commercial vehicles, which are key to sectors such as food and health.

While no specifics are given in the public summary of the plan, it is important that BPCA ensures that the sector is included by government as a priority sector.

An essential but often unseen service

Pest management is rarely listed explicitly alongside frontline services. However, it is embedded within many of them.

Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive, said:

Healthcare, food production, education, housing and national infrastructure all rely on effective pest control to remain safe, compliant and operational. Without access to fuel, pest professionals cannot travel to sites. That creates an immediate risk of service disruption in areas that government is seeking to protect.

Rosina Robson, BPCA Chief Executive

Supporting health and care settings

Hospitals, care homes and other healthcare environments depend on pest management to meet hygiene standards and reduce the risk of contamination.

Rosina continued:

“Infestations in these settings can compromise infection control measures and place additional pressure on already stretched services.

Ensuring pest professionals can continue to attend sites supports the resilience of the wider health system.

Protecting the food supply chain

Pest management is a fundamental part of food safety from production through to retail.

Uncontrolled pest activity can lead to contamination, stock loss and failed audits, with direct consequences for supply and availability.

In the context of broader disruption, maintaining this part of the system is critical.

Maintaining safe public environments

Schools, transport hubs, public buildings and utilities infrastructure all require ongoing pest management.

If access to these sites is restricted due to fuel limitations, small issues can escalate into operational problems, including closures or service interruptions.

Domestic impacts and vulnerability

Domestic pest issues also carry public health implications, particularly for vulnerable households.

Where infestations are severe, there can be risks to physical health and well-being. In these cases, access to professional pest management remains important.

A proportionate, risk-based approach

BPCA continues to emphasise that all work should be subject to appropriate risk assessment.

However, there are clear priority areas where continued service delivery is essential:

• Food production and distribution
• Healthcare and social care settings
• Critical infrastructure and public services
• Situations involving vulnerable individuals.

These align closely with the sectors government already identifies as essential.

What BPCA is calling for

BPCA is making the case that pest management should be explicitly recognised within any fuel prioritisation framework.

This includes:

• Inclusion of pest professionals within definitions of key or critical workers
• Priority access to fuel for those delivering essential pest management services
• Clear guidance to support consistent implementation at local level.

This approach would provide clarity for businesses, enforcement bodies and fuel providers.

Supporting members through uncertainty

Alongside policy engagement, BPCA is encouraging members to prepare for potential disruption.

Niall Gallagher, BPCA Technical Manager, said:

Route planning and client communications are more important than ever. If fuel access becomes constrained, businesses will need to be clear on which jobs are essential, prioritise high-risk sites and keep customers informed about any changes to service.

“Taking a structured, risk-based approach will help ensure that the most critical work continues while minimising disruption.”

Without fuel, the sector’s ability to support public health, protect food systems and maintain safe environments is significantly reduced.

BPCA will continue to engage with the government to ensure this is recognised and that members can continue delivering essential services where they are needed most.

If members have any questions about our work on fuel prioritisation, you can contact policy@bpca.org.uk for updates.