Running on empty

Tanker drivers’ strike threat leads to panic at the pumps

ALEX SALMOND last night urged Downing Street not to encourage panic-buying of fuel amid fears of a strike that could cripple the road network.

The First Minister’s official spokesman sounded the warning after the UK Government advised the public to fill up jerry cans with petrol to prepare for a stoppage by tanker drivers.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude made the suggestion despite motoring organisations and energy firms urging people not to panic-buy.

He said a “couple of hundred” military tanker crews would be trained to cover for striking tanker drivers to maintain supplies to garages, as well as hospitals and schools.

He also attacked the Unite union and its leader Len Mccluskey for threatening industrial action, accusing the union of being “irresponsible”.

Tanker drivers from Unite, which supplies around 90 per cent of British service stations, have voted for strikes in a dispute over pay and conditions.

The action could take place over the Easter weekend when millions of families traditionally take to the road for a holiday.

Prime Minister David Cameron will today chair an emergency Cobra meeting on the issue in London. Scottish Government ministers will take part in the discussions using conference call technology.

But Mr Salmond’s spokesman last night told The Courier the “priority” must be to resolve the dispute.

He said: “Our view is that the priority has got to be helping to resolve the dispute and make sure there is no panic as opposed to some of the statements that have been coming out from Downing Street that have had the effect of causing a degree of panic.

“We will have as always contingency plans but the priority right now should be working ro resolve the dispute and preventing panic.”

Mr Maude said there was no need for anyone to “rush” to a petrol station but advised people to fill up any spare jerry cans with petrol to prepare for the impact of any action.

The Government’s message to drivers to be prepared for a shortage at the pumps was criticised by Labour, oil company Esso and the AA.

But the comments were defended by Mr Cameron, who warned that a strike could do “enormous damage” to Britain.

Speaking at a press conference, he said there was no need to queue for petrol but “sensible precautions” should be taken.

Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union said advising motorists to store cans of petrol in their garages was wrong and must be withdrawn.

The union warned it would “massively increase” fire and explosion risk and the public should be discouraged from doing so.

It is expected talks to resolve the dispute will get under way today after the conciliation service Acas was asked to intervene

Picture: Kris Miller Queues of motorists at the Esso petrol station on Dalhousie Road, Broughty Ferry, yesterday.