Motorists queue as panic buying hits Shropshire petrol stations
Petrol stations across Shropshire have seen a rise in the number of people filling up with some running dry as panic buying takes place over speculation of a tanker driver strike.
Some filling stations in Shropshire have run dry whilst others have started rationing supplies as long queues of cars snaked from forecourts.
Industry estimates suggested that fuel sales were almost 50 per cent higher than would be expected on a weekday in March.
The Government is facing increasing criticism over its handling of the fuel drivers dispute amid signs of panic buying and a controversial call to use jerry cans for storage.
The Fire Brigades Union attacked Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, for telling motorists to store fuel in jerry cans at home amid fears it could lead to explosions.
A spokesman said: “There is a real danger the public will start storing fuel in inappropriate ways. This advice is wrong and it must be withdrawn.”
The AA said today there was plenty of fuel to go round and the situation will only deteriorate if motorists rush unnecessarily to filling stations. Oil company Esso also said motorists should stick to their normal buying patterns.
Tanker drivers from the Unite trade union have voted for industrial action, raising the prospect of a strike that could affect supplies to 90 per cent of fuel stations.
No date has been set for a strike, but ministers suggested that action could begin as soon as next week, disrupting the Easter weekend.
The union will have to make an announcement shortly if it wants to hit the start of the Easter holidays.
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