The worldwide demand for lead – a vital component in batteries – has substantially exceeded the current stock levels that are available. And, that has led to a shortage of batteries, as manufacturers have only been able to order minimal, short-term supplies of lead.

LSUK’s battery product manager, Mark Poole, said: "We forecast that the price of lead would cause a massive upheaval in the battery market some time ago, and our predictions have come true. We know that a number of high-profile distributors are out of stock on some products before the winter snap has really arrived."

LSUK recently took steps to combat this shortage by working to increase its stock levels of Lucas-branded battery products before the shortage takes hold.