PANIC buying hit petrol stations in Swindon yesterday after the Government advised people to stock up on fuel ahead of a strike by tanker drivers.

Cabinet Officer minister Francis Maude said extra fuel in a jerrycan would be a sensible precaution.

Contradicting a move by the AA to avert a mass rush by advising against panic buying he said: “A bit of extra fuel in a jerrycan in the garage is a sensible precaution to take.”

Delivery drivers are threatening to strike over pay and health and safety conditions, with the action said to be scheduled for the Easter holidays.

Motorists in Swindon responded by heading to the pumps, with reports of garages running dry across the town.

Sebastian Thomas, 30, a taxi driver from Abbey Meads, spent £80 putting as much diesel into his car as possible.

He said: “It’s the first time I’ve filled it up to the top. If I don’t work I don’t eat and I'm going to keep it topped up so I’ve got four days’ worth if it runs out.

“Everyone is panic buying and I was the last person allowed to get fuel at Sainsbury’s in Gable Cross.

“I think it was clever of the Government to say what they did, as it will allow garages time before they bring the military out.”

The Asda petrol station in West Swindon was shut yesterday afternoon and there were queues at the Total garage nearby.

Heather Angel, 29, a bank manager from West Swindon, said: “If the strike was over rising fuel prices I would be 100 per cent behind them, as something’s got to be done.

“The last protests caused chaos and that was when it was up 99p, now it’s even higher.

“I am going to top up today as I have to drive my son around and I can’t afford to run out.”

Brendan Whitiskie, 37, a driving instructor from Rodbourne, said he would be among the hardest hit by a strike.

“People will panic buy,” he said. “I go through a tank a day, but I am going to take it as it comes. I think the tanker drivers are overpaid, they are not in the real world. They earn well over £30,000 with pensions and sickness benefits and a lot of people would take their jobs.

“I’ve already been hit by rises in fuel prices. I’ve had to work an extra day to cover it, meaning I work every day of the week.

“I will have to cancel lessons if this goes ahead.”

Jean Marshman, 79, from Eldene, said: “I’m not going to panic like some people do, but if a strike happens I could be confined indoors, especially if the buses stop running.

“I think the advice from the Government is dangerous as we have to store the petrol indoors.”

Martin Barnes, 63, a taxi driver from Park South, refused to join the stampede. He said: “I’m not going to panic buy, if needs be I will come out at 4am when there's nobody around.”

The Harvest garage in Old Town was among many to experience a rise in trade. Norendran Thuraisamy, 24, a forecourt worker, said: “Deliveries are still coming in. It hasn’t had a big effect yet, but it’s been quite busy.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “The tanker drivers have balloted for strike action, which is deeply concerning.

“As I understand it they have to give seven days’ notice for a strike to go ahead so there could not be a strike overnight.

“Motorists who depend on their cars are well advised to ensure their tanks are filled up.

“The rest of us need to be calm. I don’t think it’s a time for panic.

“It’s a time for everybody to judge the situation according to their own needs and behave in a responsible way.”

No confirmed date has been set for industrial action by petrol tanker drivers.

The Army is poised to step in and cover deliveries if the walkout goes ahead.

Unite members belonging to five companies delivering to BP, Shell, Esso, Tesco and Sainsbury’s have voted for strike action.