Strike fears fuel petrol panic buying as Hitchin and Letchworth garages dry up
ALL petrol garages in both Hitchin and Letchworth GC have completely run out of unleaded fuel this morning (Friday), it has been reported.
Residents in both towns have reported that unleaded pumps are now dry via social networking site Twitter after panic buying started on Wednesday.
Gareth Cottenden said: “All the pumps in Letchworth are dry this morning!”
Adam Peltan said: “No unleaded fuel in Hitchin or Letchworth. Thanks for causing a panic over nothing Mr Cameron & co.”
The Comet contacted BP and Esso garages for a response but staff said they were unable to comment.
In Stevenage, a number of garages have run out of unleaded with police turning motorists away at the BP garage in Primett Road. The Esso garage off Lytton Way has shut.
One Arlesey resident also informed the Comet that only the Total garage in Stotfold remains open.
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The panic buying has come after the Government told the public and businesses to “have contingency plans in place”.
UNITE, the union representing fuel tanker drivers who have threatened to strike, today ruled out a walkout over Easter and said it wanted to focus on peace talks.
Assistant general secretary Diana Holland said: “We will not be calling Easter strike action as we focus on substantive talks through Acas. We do still retain the right to call strike action for after the Easter, should those talks break down.”
The union has to give seven days’ notice before any potential strike could take place.
*What’s the petrol situation in your town? Email nick.gill@thecomet.net or comment below.
