Motorists were today warned of the threat of fuel shortages in the run-up to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
About 2,000 tanker drivers are expected to reject the latest offer from employers, after it was thrown out last night by union representatives.
The result of the vote is expected on about 11 May, when the union must give seven days’ notice of industrial action.
Garages hold only about three to four days’ supply, so they could run out of fuel around the last week of May, before the Jubilee on June 5, unless a new wave of panic-buying accelerates demand.
However, David Cameron has said speeded-up training of Army drivers could mean that as much as 60 per cent of deliveries could continue even with a solid strike.
Brian Madderson, of petrol retailers group RMI, said: “By late May it might be possible to get up to 70 or 80 per cent of supplies delivered. The only cloud is the prevalence of the British motorist to panic buy.”
