Some petrol stations in Warrington ran out of fuel

Texaco in Penketh, Asda Westbrook, the BP garage at Gemini Retail Park and Morrisons in Greenall’s Avenue were just some of the stations that ran out of fuel, while Tesco on Winwick Road was among those who had pumps out of use too.

Many residents queued for around 20 minutes to fill up their vehicles.

Across the country, ambulance services urged people to only buy fuel if they need to – after drivers had to join the queues at petrol stations.

The UK Petroleum Industry Association has said distributors are working hard to replenish stocks after the president of the AA blamed panic-buying for the shortage of fuel.

Some stations have ran out of fuel in Warrington

The group, which is the trade association for the UK downstream oil sector, has said there are no issues with production, storage or import of fuels as drivers queued at petrol stations across the country to fill up their tanks.

In a statement on Saturday, a spokesperson said: “There has been an increase in demand for fuels this week which is above and beyond what is usual.

“There are no reported issues with the production, storage, or import of fuels while distributors are working hard to replenish stocks at forecourts.

“Customers should continue to buy fuel as they would normally.”

Earlier on Saturday, Edmund King, the head of the AA, said issues surrounding fuel should pass in a matter of days if drivers just stick to filling up when they need to, adding “there is plenty of fuel at source”.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr King said a shortage of lorry drivers had only been a “localised problem” earlier in the week.

His words come ahead of an expected announcement by the Government that visa rules for foreign lorry drivers will be relaxed.

“We were in discussions with Government ministers last night and we talked to the major fuel companies, and we can reiterate there is not a problem with supply at the source,” Mr King said.