SALES of fuel across Worcester have soared as motorists ignored warnings and started panic-buying.

Garages are reporting petrol and diesel sales running at up to three times normal levels as people stockpile.

The Government faced criticism yesterday over its handling of the tanker driver dispute amid signs of panic buying by drivers.

Petrol station managers in Worcester said they had noticed an increase in the number of people buying fuel and the amount they were spending on it.

Leza Stephenson, manager of the independent Tolladine Service Station, said while motorists weren’t queueing up on the forecourt, it was clear they were panic-buying. She said: “I’m aware people are queueing up at other garages but we’re only a small independent.

“People are panic-buying – they are coming to top up.

“Normally, people around here would only put in £10 but they’re putting in £20 or £30 now. “I think people are just panicking as there is no sign of a strike anyway is there? I’ve spoken to my suppliers this morning and they think their drivers aren’t part of a union so they won’t be striking.” Roy Devlia, owner of Powick Petrol Station, said he has been selling two or three days worth of petrol a day for the past three days. Yesterday Mr Devlia had to close the station for about 20 minutes so he could set up an organised system for the site. He said: “It’s constant, it’s very, very busy. People are filling up a couple of jerry cans as well. “Quite a few garages have run out of fuel.” Brian Madderson of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, which represents independent forecourt operators, said sales of petrol were up 45 per cent on a normal Tuesday and sales of diesel up 20 per cent in what appeared to be a sign of panic-buying by motorists. Cabinet office minister Francis Maude landed himself in trouble after suggesting that drivers should fill up any spare jerry cans with petrol and keep them in garages even though motoring organisations and energy firms have urged people not to panic buy. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the advice should be withdrawn because of the threat of fire, warning it would “massively increase” fire and explosion risk.