Petrol pumps ran dry this morning across many borough garages after panic buying by motorists.



The Shell UK site in Rising Bridge saw petrol and diesel run out by 8pm last night after nearly double the number of customers.



Long queues were reported tailing back down Manchester Road and also from the A56 roundabout as motorists rushed to fuel up amid strike talks.



Store assistant Darusz Serotki said: “We ran out yesterday evening with diesel running out first. It was a very busy day and was probably doubly as busy as normal.



“We are expecting a delivery today at about 1pm.”



Elsewhere in Hyndburn, the Tesco Esso garage off Abbey Street displayed signs 'Sorry No Diesel' signs to motorists with unleaded only available at certain pumps.



The Costcutter Murco station on Hyndburn Road had also ran out of diesel by Friday morning.



Across the country, retailers reported an increase of 81 per cent in petrol sales and 43 per cent in diesel since the threat of the tanker drivers' strike.



The AA's president Edmund King appealed to drivers to stop panic buying as no strike had yet been called.



He said: “There is no fuel tanker strike and therefore if drivers followed normal fuel buying patterns there would be no fuel shortage whatsoever.



“We now have self-inflicted shortages due to poor advice about topping up the tank and hoarding in jerry cans. This in turn has led to localised shortages, queues and some profiteering at the pumps.”



“Even if we do have a strike which is unlikely, there will be seven days' notice of strike action, and therefore time for drivers to fill up.



“The AA has advised all along that drivers should follow their normal fuel buying patterns.”