THE crisis is affecting shoppers as well as motorists.

One shopper reported that stocks at Kidderminster supermarkets were "like Christmas".

Bread and milk have been reported to be vanishing from the shelves as people panic-buy groceries, just as they panic-bought their petrol.

Although the roads appeared to be quiet around Worcester, the queues in the supermarkets were growing.

"I've got enough petrol to last three weeks," said Anthony Patrick, a Mazak worker from St John's.

He was only shopping for a few essentials but said he thought the current crisis would soon be over.

"The Government will have to end it soon because it's going to get out of control."

Liz Hunt, who works for Kays said she was at the supermarket to do her normal shopping.

"I'm lucky, I've got some fuel, but I need to do my shopping," said the 40-year-old from Broadwas.

"I don't know how long it will last but I'm not going out at night, I'm staying in to save petrol."

A Herefordshire high school is stocking up on food, just in case deliveries cannot get through.

Julie Ball, catering manager at Bishop Frome High School, said her area manager had suggested she stock up on bread.

"At the moment, our deliveries are getting through all right, but I'm just making sure," said the 36-year-old from Pershore.

"I'm OK for petrol, I think my full tank will last for two weeks as I'm only using the car to get to work."

One shopper was hoping to get to Devon at the weekend, but was first making sure she had enough food.

"My car is full up with petrol but I hope the crisis doesn't last until the weekend," said Janie Hingston of Upton-upon-Severn. "I'm stocking up on food before the deliveries dry up," the 52-year-old secretary added.

Matt Cook of Malvern said he would use what petrol he had until it ran out.

"I've a quarter of a tank," he said. "I only use my car to get to work and back, if I run out then I can't come in.

"I'm not worried," said the 24-year-old security guard.