We’ll pay high price in winter of discontent

WE face a winter of discontent due to food and fuel shortages, plus a rise in gas prices.

An expert in Ukraine claims that the dramatic rise in gas prices is caused by the nation that Europe relies on for its gas.

This expert does not name this nation. He claims they have been RUSHING around and so Europe has been PUT IN the situation this nation wanted.

Now this nation has control over Europe’s gas supply, it can use this economically. Or as other nations fear, it could use this economic influence in a geopolitical area.

As regards the current panic buying of petrol; this is not due to a fuel shortage, it is a distribution problem.

On the Martin Lewis TV show last week, the host told his viewers about the collapse of many price comparison web sites and independent energy suppliers.

I have great respect for Martin Lewis; he has done a great deal for consumers. However, he made the mistake that our society has made for years. That is confusing supply with distribution.

Price comparison web sites and independent energy companies are an asset for cheap distribution. However, they have no control over the supply.

If this expert [in Ukraine] is correct, the price cap for energy prices imposed by the UK government is now lower than the price of gas.

This means all suppliers are paying more for gas than they are charging you. How long will that carry on for?

Society made the same error in food supply. We confused supply with distribution.

Because society sees plenty of apps for takeaways and pelotons of delivery riders, they believe the food chain is secure.

For years society has neglected the essential part of the food chain. That is farmers who cultivate crops – and lorry drivers.

The coming winter of discontent is a combination of factors.

For years society has not respected essential workers such as farmers and lorry drivers. Society is now paying the price.

Europe has allowed itself to be dependent on one gas supplier. This gas supplier now realises the power it has. They are now prepared to use that power.

There are many other lessons to be learned from the coming winter.

However, I believe that these two are the most important lessons that society can learn.

Do not allow one supplier to control your energy needs. Respect essential workers like farmers and lorry drivers.

Keith Langley, by email