Fuel panic over but stocks remain low (From The Oxford Times)

Fuel panic over but stocks remain low

9:20am Tuesday 3rd April 2012 in Banbury

SERVICE stations say fuel sales are returning to normal but their stocks remain lower than usual because of last week’s panic buying.

Filling stations across the county ran out of petrol and diesel last week after Government warnings for people to be prepared in case tanker delivery drivers went on strike.

The haulage industry was not able to keep up with the excessive demand and now fuel outlets are experiencing lower delivery amounts as a result.

Nick Fraser, of Yarnton Service Station, said: “It’s calmed down now but we had issues over the weekend because we were out of stock. But we had a delivery on Sunday and as long as there’s no more panic buying we will be fine.”

According to one station, a tanker load that usually caters for one outlet, currently has to be shared because of the shortage.

Talks between the Unite union and seven distribution firms aimed at resolving the dispute are to be held tomorrow.

The dispute over terms and conditions, and health and safety, flared up a week ago when Unite announced that workers in five of the firms had voted to strike.