What’s funny about Britain’s gas shortage? When the reporter’s name is Phil McCann.

The Road Haulage Association estimates that Britain needs an extra 100,000 drivers, and say that shortages have been exacerbated by Brexit and the pandemic. Not only are gas stations running dry. There’s a lack of carbon dioxide to power, among other things, beer taps. McDonald’s is running out of the ingredients for milkshakes. KFC is cutting items from its menu.

McCann tweeted from the scene on Saturday: “There definitely has been panic at the pumps here in Stockport - this petrol station is out of both types of fuel. It sold more than 3 times the normal amount yesterday and may not get a delivery for 9 days."

Then social media was abuzz with references to his pun-perfect name.

“@TheSimpsons couldn’t have written anything funnier than that. Well played #BBCBreakfast” wrote one user.

Another wrote that the one segment was worth the entire BBC licensing fee, about $208 for each household per year.

A BBC colleague was among those who suggested he was clearly the right choice for this assignment.

McCann didn’t seem to mind. He tweeted: “There are worse reasons to trend on Twitter…

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