Press Release – Northern Ireland Oil Federation (NIOF)

Press Release – Northern Ireland Oil Federation (NIOF) - 25th March 2020

Please see below a Press Release from our over the water neighbours at the Northern Ireland Oil Federation (NIOF) - We will follow the same guidelines when it comes to the health and safety of our drivers and we thank all our customers who have been practicing social distancing from our drivers while they are delivering. 

Oil deliveries continue as normal but please observe social distancing says NIOF
David Blevings, spokesperson for NIOF said, “During this challenging period oil deliveries are continuing as normal. Oil distributors and their employees are deemed key workers and service is continuing as normal. Due to the high demand consumers may experience a short delay in their delivery but rest assured, the industry is working flat out to meet demand”.
The Government gave the oil distribution sector a derogation from the working time directive which has been welcomed but one of the major problems drivers are encountering is consumer interaction. Consumers are not staying indoors when the delivery is being made and many are trying to engage the driver in conversation.

“Can we plead with the public to NOT interact with the person making any delivery, whether that is oil, post or from a food company. Social distancing is the only way we will reduce the magnitude of this problem and the industry cannot afford to have drivers off sick.
There is no requirement to sign a docket and the best thing you can do to facilitate your delivery is to ensure any gates and tank access is open when the driver arrives and stay inside while the driver is on site. He is not being rude – he is not engaging in conversation for the sake of his health and yours”, added David.