The recent panic buying of fuel in Stroud has led to several petrol stations having to close as a result of running out of fuel.

This has meant drivers in the Gloucestershire town have been struggling to find petrol stations where they can fill up.

It has also begun to affect emergency services who have been called to respond to people in need but haven’t been able to top up their fuel.

The issue has occurred after a shortage of HGV drivers was recognised which lead to drivers across the country thinking that with no delivery of fuel they needed to stock up by filling their engines.

The AA has told drivers not to “fill up outside of their normal routines."

“Even if the occasional petrol station is temporarily closed, others just down the road will be open," it said.

24-hour petrol stations in Stroud

Esso MFG Dudbridge, Dudbridge Road

Shell, Westend Roundabout, Stonehouse

Buy fuel as normal

The government continue to urge the public to buy fuel as normal, and to not panic stock.

A Government spokeswoman said: “There is no shortage of fuel in the UK, and people should continue to buy fuel as normal.

“We recognise the challenges facing industry and have already taken action to increase the supply of HGV drivers, including streamlining the process for new drivers and increasing the number of driving tests.

“We continue to closely monitor labour supply and work with sector leaders to understand how we can best ease particular pinch points.”