Fuel shortage: Drivers queue for petrol and diesel at Tesco in Bracknell

Pictures from the filling station at the Tesco supermarket in Warfield shows drivers queueing up around the block to buy fuel, with some even bringing jerry cans to keep in reserve.

The government has urged motorists not to panic buy fuel this weekend as a shortage of lorry drivers means garages are not receiving as much fuel as usual.

Photo by PA

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The AA has also advised drivers not to “fill up outside their normal routines” as drivers around the country continue to queue this morning.

AA president Edmund King said: "There is no shortage of fuel and thousands of forecourts are operating normally with just a few suffering temporary supply chain problems.

"Fridays and the weekend always tend to be busier on forecourts as drivers either combine filling up with shopping runs, prepare for weekend trips or refuel for the start of the new working week.

"Drivers should not fill up outside their normal routines because, even if the occasional petrol station is temporarily closed, others just down the road will be open."

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BP said a “handful” of its filling stations are closed due to a lack of fuel available, while Esso owner ExxonMobil also said a “small number” of its Tesco Alliance petrol forecourts have been impacted.

A Government spokeswoman said: “There is no shortage of fuel in the UK, and people should continue to buy fuel as normal.

Photo by PA

“We recognise the challenges facing industry and have already taken action to increase the supply of HGV drivers, including streamlining the process for new drivers and increasing the number of driving tests.

“We continue to closely monitor labour supply and work with sector leaders to understand how we can best ease particular pinch points.”