Fears of panic-buying as tanker drivers to vote on strike

THOUSANDS of tanker drivers are to be balloted for industrial action, sparking fears that motorists may start panic-buying fuel.

The threat of disruption to forecourt supplies stems from a row over drivers' pay, pensions and working conditions.

A spokesman for the UK Petroleum Industry Association warned yesterday that the uncertainty could lead to motorists rushing to the pumps.

"The impact of a walk-out will depend on the government's response and how resilient their emergency plans are.

"As always, panic-buying is the real problem and often that is what leads to shortages."

Meanwhile, Unite - the union representing lorry drivers - warned employers that voting was likely to start next month unless the "constant attack" on drivers' terms and conditions stopped.

The union claimed that over the past few years, contractors responsible for the delivery of oil and petrol supplies to petrol stations and supermarkets across the UK had "squeezed" the pay and conditions of around 3,000 drivers.

Unite said it was calling for national standards to stop a "race to the bottom" on pay and conditions and claimed that employers had refused to hold talks over the row.

Len McCluskey, Unite's new leader, said: "Tanker drivers play a crucial role in the economy, delivering fuel safely and on time, but their industry, which is worth billions, is content to attack the drivers' pay, pensions and conditions.

"The price of oil is heading for $100 a barrel, so this is not an industry suffering like many others, because the profits are astronomical. Employers have their heads in the sand if they think they can continue to attack these drivers' terms and conditions.

"Our demands are very reasonable. We are calling for national standards to bring stability to the industry."