THE recent panic buying at petrol stations has left many garages completely empty - forcing residents to travel far and wide to get fuel. 

Earlier this week BP announced they were closing a small amount of garages due to a lorry driver shortage making it difficult to get fuel deliveries. 

It is estimated that the UK is short of about 100,000 HGV drivers - with gaps made worse by the pandemic and Brexit.

Worcester News:

This led to huge queues outside petrol stations in Worcester, with police having to come out to control the congestion caused by the queues.

One employee at a garage in Powick said yesterday: "We have completely run out of fuel, despite only getting a delivery on Friday. People are panic buying, my manager said there were tons of people spending almost £100 on fuel." 

Worcester News:

Anxious residents have taken to social media to ask 'where in Worcester has fuel?' as garages across the county are forced to close their forecourts. 

It seems Tesco in Warndon and Sainsbury's in Blackpole have both recently had deliveires and petrol is avaliable there - but you can expect a long wait. 

The fuel shortage has also begun to have an affect on emergency services.

One angry paramedic tweeted last night: "To everyone that panicked and went to fuel their cars when it wasn't needed. Well done. On shift in an emergency ambulance, low on fuel and struggling to find somewhere that isn't sold out."

Meanwhile West Mercia Police warned people to 'keep roads clear for us to respond to those that need our help.'