Panic at the pumps? 

Not quite so far in Swindon. But fuel is already running low in places

FUEL CRISIS UPDATE: 18 June 08 07.45am Petrol flowing again With news that the proposed second strike of tanker drivers has been called off, motorists can expect things will be back to normal at Swindon's petrol stations in the next 24 hours.

 

FUEL CRISIS UPDATE: 17 June 08 09.36am Tesco in Ocotal Way - no diesel Asda (West Swindon Shopping Centre) - no diesel Esso on the A419 near Latton - no diesel Esso on the A420 (near Sainsburys) - super-unleaded only Shell in Highworth (Simpson's) - no diesel Shell on Marlborough Road - closed Shell in Wootton Bassett - closed Esso in Wootton Bassett - closed

 

Filling up: 3 SwindonWeb minis - full tanks - £135! Ouch!

There's been a mixed reaction around Swindon to the so-called 'fuel crisis' about to hit Britain.

 

After it was announced last night that Shell tanker drivers were embarking on a four-day strike, it was feared that it would be panic stations on forecourts across the country.

 

But if Swindon is anything to go by - some people are panicking - and some people aren't.

 

And it all seems to depend on the price at the pumps.

 

At ASDA at West Swindon, whose prices are normally the lowest in town, supplies of diesel have already run-out - with reserves of petrol also going fast.

 

Already out: the Asda fuel station in West Swindon

 

Whereas at the Texaco garage on the Magic Roundabout - usually the most expensive in town - it's been a somewhat calmer affair, with only slightly more than expected business reported.

 

"It's been pretty quiet to be honest," a member of staff told us this morning, "and we've got enough petrol and diesel to last a week."

 

"But if everyone starts filling up, you can cut that to 3 days."

 

Not concerned: the Texaco garage on the Magic Roundabout

 

And that's exactly what motorists have already starting doing, judging by the picture below.

 

Cars queuing at the Shell garage in Marlborough Road perhaps giving an indication of things to come, as drivers topped up their tanks ahead of possible fuel shortages at the weekend and next week.

 

Shell-ing out: cars waiting at the Shell garage on Marlborough Road