FEARS of a possible fuel shortage have sparked a wave of panic buying as motorists clamour to fill up at petrol stations across the city.

Garage forecourts in and around St Albans have been clogged up with worried drivers and some retailers are warning they may have to shut down as supplies run low.

At Sainsbury's petrol station in Everard Close on Tuesday, customers queued for almost an hour to fill up their tanks. Extra staff had to be called in to help divert the traffic away from the main road and supermarket entrance.

Assistant manager at the station, Wayne Hanson said: "It has been going okay at the minute but we could have big problems if people keep coming in to fill up as they are.

"We had a delivery this morning (Tuesday) and we are expecting one tomorrow, but if that doesn't come in we will have to think about possibly closing sometime tomorrow.

"One gentleman who came in said he had already been to two other garages, but they were closed.

"We just have to hope people stop panic buying, but it is hard to stop them. I can understand people wanting to get to work, but if they just stuck to their normal routine I think we would be okay."

Staff were also out directing cars to pumps at the Total garage in Beech Road. Assistant manager Muhommad Khan reported brisk trade with many customers completely filling their tanks. He added: "We are okay at the minute, but we haven't had a delivery since Friday because head office has had to send it to other parts of the country."

The prospect of refinery blockades later this week and spiralling prices are believed to be fuelling the panic. The scenes of panic buying mirror images of 2000 when nervous motorists began stockpiling fuel.

Keith Jones from London Colney was one of those queuing up to get petrol at Sainsbury's. He said: "I have probably got just under half a tank at the moment, but that will not last long.

"I don't want to get to Friday and realise I can't get any petrol anywhere."

A spokesman for the Association of British Drivers (ABD) said the Government could simply avoid the disruption by reducing the tax levied on fuel.

ABD fuel tax spokesman Tony Vickers added: "8.24p in every litre is VAT paid on fuel tax a tax on a tax.

"The government could reduce pump prices by 8.24p per litre simply by ending this practice."