If you aren't hedging against the supply chain - you should be.

There a debate going on about people filling up their cars and jerry cans before the next attempt by the Unions at mass blackmail gets going.

Some say government suggesting people stock up is irresponsible as it may create a shortage, others see that moving fuel as far along the supply chain before that chain is cut is just a sensible precaution.

But really everyone should have a jerry can - and probably water / food for at least a week ( even if its stuff you wouldn't want to live of normally ).

We live in a world of optimised supply chain. Stocks of food, fuel and other essentials are vastly lower than they ever were, as it saves money invested in stock to do so. Does anyone really think the government could feed a large city for any length of time at all in the event of  major catastrophe ( see the unannounced asteroids that keep flying past us if you want an indication of a black swan type event that you know our incompetent government couldn't handle ).

What's the cost of a large bag of rice and a load of water bottles ? Near to nothing. But their value when you need them will be vast.

Surely its a hedge everyone should make.

PS I remember when I grew up amongst the crippling strikes of the late 70's family having cupboards full of flower, sugar and the like ready for the next strike. Chest freezers were popular amongst a population that could still remember rationing and knew that the war being waged against the state and public by left wing extremist unions could cut of supplies at any time. These days the memory has faded and it makes our society very vulnerable.