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BREXIT is a word I have pretty much avoided in this column. Rationing is certainly something I have never written about but, as October 31 looms and the prospect of a “no deal” exit seems to be the most likely outcome, I am driven to prepare you for the worst.

Rationing of petrol and diesel may become a reality as the UK struggles to import oil and produce sufficient fuel for the 30million UK vehicles.

Bookmakers are offering odds on which commodity the UK Government will officially ration first. Fuel has shifted from 7/1 when bets were first being taken to the 4/1 favourite now.

The Freight Transport Association is said to have reacted with “alarm” at the possibility of fuel shortages, having had no word of this from the Government.

It staggers me to think that in the three-plus years since the vote to leave, no official contingency has been put in place to prevent shortages of fuel. How do officials imagine we will be able to export products and import things if we’re not be able to move them to and from ports due to a lack of fuel?

While the UK has grown more sustainable with its own energy consumption in recent decades, petrol-driven transport still forms the backbone of the nation’s economy.

The last serious fuel shortage was back in 2000, when the population protested against the rising prices of petrol. In 2012, fears over strike action also caused people to panic buy their fuel.

While fuel prices have roughly stayed the same during the past 12 months, the issue of “no deal” could significantly impact on supply – and yet demand will remain high.

Fuel rationing was last a thing back in 1957, at the time of the Suez crisis. Just imagine having to queue for hours for a couple of gallons of petrol. How will you get to work? Has your business started to make contingency plans for staffing? I imagine only a few might.

The mainstream media often comes in for criticism about scaremongering. But local authorities have plans in place for fuel warrants. This is not a joke. November may be much darker than usual.