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Motorists are being urged not to panic buy petrol, despite reports of large queues at forecourts across Caerphilly County Borough.

The surge in demand for petrol is over fears that supplies could run out due to a lack of HGV drivers. This has affected some BP and Esso stations (outside of Wales).

However, the British Petrol Retailers Association has said there is no need for people to panic.

Steve Coombe of the Petrol Retailers Association, told BBC Radio Wales: “There is plenty of stock available at the refineries. Cases of complete forecourt stock out have been very rare. The resilience of retail fuels is not in question.

“Everyone should keep calm. There is plenty of stock. Those sites that have had problems are being replenished. There is no need to panic.”

Tesco and Asda have also reported they have no issues with their supplies.

The AA has said most of the UK’s forecourts were open.

President Edmund King saying: “There is no shortage of fuel and thousands of forecourts are operating normally with just a few suffering temporary supply chain problems.

“Fridays and the weekend always tend to be busier on forecourts as drivers either combine filling up with shopping runs, prepare for weekend trips or refuel for the start of the new working week.

“Drivers should not fill up outside their normal routines because, even if the occasional petrol station is temporarily closed, others just down the road will be open.”

There is reportedly an estimated HGV driver shortage of 100,000 – a result of the pandemic and Brexit.

Kick start HGV training for 18 to 25-year-olds, MS says

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Technology and Transport, Natasha Asghar MS, has said the Welsh Government should pay the £2,000 cost of a HGV training course for 18 to 25-year-olds in Wales.

Ms Asghar, who is the Conservative Senedd Member for South Wales East, said: “This isn’t going to fix the problem overnight but for many young people who are looking at the increasing benefits of becoming a lorry driver but don’t have the funds to start the training, this could kick start their future in the industry.

“Having had in depth discussions with members of the Road Haulage Association, the Welsh Government should also look at what further support they can give to improving the conditions for lorry drivers on Welsh roads, ensuring that basic services such as toilets are available throughout the night and not just during the day.”