Shropshire petrol stations stocking up after panic at pumps

Shropshire petrol stations which were bled dry during the panic-buying crisis have been restocked, bosses said today.

Panic at the pumps in Shropshire last week saw filling stations run dry as fears over the fuel tanker driver strike took hold. But now many petrol station bosses have received fresh supplies and dismissed fears that fuel shortages could affect motorists over the Easter holidays.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the body which represents thousands of independent petrol stations today called for urgent talks with ministers over the situation.

In a letter to Energy Secretary Ed Davey, Brian Madderson of the Retail Motor Industry Federation predicted that fuel shortages caused by last week's panic buying could continue until at least the Easter weekend and possibly beyond as petrol stations struggle to restock.

But the worst seems to be over for Shropshire and Mid Wales forecourts.

The Total Garage in Prees Heath, near Whitchurch, said trading levels were now back to normal. Karen Cox, manager, said: "Our deliveries are back to normal."

David Knight, managing director at Tower Services in Cheshire Street, Market Drayton, said: "We are getting deliveries and have no concerns about running out over Easter."

Julie Edwards, general manager at Mere Motors in Ellesmere, said: "Everybody seems to have calmed down now and I foresee no problems over Easter."

Mike Dransfield from Nesscliffe Services said: "From my suppliers' point of view everyone is now placing orders. We now have to make advance orders."

The union Unite announced on Friday it would not be striking over Easter as it pledged talks with company bosses.