Panic buying of fuel starts as supplies dry up in Newbury

The Hector’s Way station ran out of diesel early this morning and at 10.15am signs were erected saying there was no more petrol. However, both diesel and unleaded are available again at the petrol station, following a delivery.
Elsewhere, at Tesco’s in Pinchington Lane there are long queues forming with a wait for motorists of approximately 20 minutes. Staff said that they too are expecting a delivery today and do not expect to run out of fuel.
At BP’s branch in London Road, Newbury, there are also long queues, but staff say they have plenty of fuel stocks.
In Hungerford, the Total garage in Bath Road has confirmed to NewburyToday that although very busy it had a fuel delivery last night.
Manager of Chieveley Motor Company in Long Lane, Cold Ash, Johnny Brown has described the panic buying as ‘silly’.
“We’ve got a little bit of fuel left and we’re expecting another delivery later today or tomorrow morning.
“It’s been ridiculously busy the last few days. People are coming in for no reason. It’s really silly.”
The government has been heavily criticised in recent days after Francis Maude advised motorists to fill up their tanks and jerry cans after news broke of a possible strike by fuel tanker drivers.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people not to store petrol because of potential fire risks.
Olaf Baars, Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Petrol is an extremely dangerous, highly flammable, explosive and toxic substance. There are laws governing its storage, which require that only very small quantities of petrol are kept in appropriate containers and in a well ventilated, secure building away from your house.
“Our concern is that people may underestimate the dangers and store increased quantities of petrol unsafely, which could lead to devastating fires and even loss of life.”
Thames Valley Police has also released a statement saying there is currently no problem with fuel supplies reaching local petrol stations.
Head of Force Joint Operations Unit Chief Superintendant Chris Shead said: “Communities within Thames Valley can be assured that we have full contingency plans prepared and are in a position to respond to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum if strike action takes place.
“We also have plans in hand to ensure that if strikes occur, police and other emergency services and other critical local agencies can maintain their normal response service across the Thames Valley.”
If you have experienced problems at any garages, call our reporter James Williams on 01635 886633 or email him on james.williams@newburynews.co.uk
Also, you can send any photos of petrol pump queues to james.williams@newburynews.co.uk