Fuel hoarded for UK 999 services

Fuel is being safeguarded for use by the emergency services ahead of a planned four-day strike by UK tanker drivers.

The Government measures, activated secretly last week in an attempt to reduce the risk of panic buying, were put in place after industry experts warned that the strike could cause widespread shortages.

The steps also include a suspension of anti-cartel rules to allow oil companies to exchange information about stocks.

The strike, which is scheduled to start on the Friday 13th will involve more than 500 tanker drivers from Hoyer UK and Suckling Transport.

Employees at the two companies, the sole suppliers to almost 1,000 Shell forecourts, are taking action after refusing a pay rise of 6.5% - half their demand of 13%.