« Back to 2000 News Archive

Fuel Supply Crisis

FUEL SUPPLIES in the Stranraer area have been thrown into crisis this week after panicking motorists swamped petrol stations.

Petrol and diesel ran dry on Tuesday with many stations putting sold out signs on their pumps the night before as protests on fuel depots continued. Diesel supplies in particular were cut off to normal vehicles early to protect vital fuel for emergency vehicles.

Soon after Government advice to motorists not to panic it was pandemonium on the streets as drivers looked to fill up their tanks.

Safeway petrol station saw queues stretch right along Hanover Street and part of London Road. They closed just before midday on Tuesday and were the last in Stranraer to sell unleaded. Castle Kennedy station was one of the first to put up 'Sorry no fuel left' signs. Mirrey Self Serve in Stoneykirk Road and Portrodie filling station were left with only diesel supplies on Tuesday and expected that to dry up later in the day.Owner of both Derek Mould told the 'Free Press' he had seen nothing like it during his time as owner.

"We have had three days sales out in both places in just one day", he said.

"It really hit us on Monday and although we had enough to last us until Thursday under normal circumstances, unleaded fuel was gone by Monday. It really was just panic buying".