No need to panic buy petrol, says UK government

There is no need to panic buy petrol – that was the message from the government this morning.

But as queues began forming at some filling stations around the country, by this afternoon senior ministers were meeting to discuss the supply problems.

It’s all been caused by a major shortage of HGV drivers and retailers are warning that it could begin affecting supplies of food in the run-up to the festive season, unless urgent action is taken.