Queuing chaos in Gainsborough as drivers panic buy petrol

Carol Coulson, manager at Morrisons filling station on Heapham Road, said customers had been queuing since 6am.

“We have been very, very busy. But we’ve had a delivery already this morning and we’re expecting one later on so we’re fully stocked,” she said.

Drivers have begun panic buying in response to a threatened strike by tanker fuel drivers.

Carol Coulson added: “I have spoken to our driver this morning and he said Morrisons drivers will not be striking.”

Morrisons drivers work for the DHL distribution company which voted against strike action this week.

The Government has advised motorists to fill up their tanks when they become half-empty in case of a fuel shortage.

Energy Minister Ed Davey recommended the change from common practice of filling up when about a third full.

Earlier advice to store petrol in jerry cans has been withdrawn, after the Fire Brigade Union expressed concern over the risk of explosions in garages.

Rumours that Gainsborough’s Tesco petrol station was out of fuel have been denied.

A worker at Tesco filling station in Beaumont Street said they had been ‘extremely busy’ but fuel stocks were replenished with a delivery last night.

“We are under pressure but we haven’t run out yet,” he said.

“We had a delivery last night. People have been queuing since we opened, it’s ridiculous.”

Murco filling station on Lea Road also reported queues, but no shortage of fuel yet.

• Have YOU seen people panic buying petrol? Have YOU queued for fuel yourself? Email us at [email protected]