Drivers in Highlands being urged not to panic buy fuel
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The public in the strath and wider Highlands and Islands is being told there is no need to panic buy fuel.
Northern Constabulary has confirmed that fuel supplies are continuing and are being distributed as normal. They have said contingencies plans are in place should the situation change.
There has been a sharp rise in petrol being taken from the pumps in the wake of fuel tanker drivers announcing they will be walking out at a date yet to be announced.
Prime Minister David Cameron’s comments earlier in the week advising motorists to top up fuel as and when they can failed to allay fears and has just added to the concerns of drivers.
The Highlands and Islands Strategic Group is meeting regularly and liaising with fuel distributors across the region in order to ensure the public is updated if and when there are any changes.
Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service is advising people not to store large amounts of fuel in garages or domestic premises due to the increased risk of fire.
A spokesman said: "Petrol is a dangerous substance which, when present can dramatically increase the risk of fire and it is recommended that any storage of petrol is kept to a minimum."
"We would urge all members of the public to focus on their own safety at all times and advise all persons who are considering storing fuel on their properties to comply with the guidelines."
The advice includes:
• Do not fill a container more than the capacity printed on the label.
• Do not store petrol inside a domestic premises.
• Store petrol in a place that is not part of or attached to a building used as a dwelling.
• Petrol must be stored in approved plastic or metal containers of the sort that can typically be purchased from filling stations.
• You can store up to 30 litres of petrol in two, appropriate 10 litre metal containers and two, appropriate 5 litre plastic containers.
NHS Highland is continuing to run services as normal.
