Panic-buying motorists are causing a fuel shortage at Barnet petrol stations amid fears of a strike.

Trade union Unite has threatened to call a walk-out among hundreds of its fuel tanker drivers in a row over pay and conditions.

The union’s drivers supply 90 per cent of the country’s petrol stations, sparking widespread concern of a national shortage.

Drivers have flocked to Barnet’s pumps in the past 24 hours following government advice that motorists should “stay topped up”.

Petrol stations in the borough have reported an increase in sales of up to 75 per cent and some are beginning to run dry.

Sasi Raja, manager of the BP garage in Oakleigh Road South, East Barnet, said: “We estimate that we will run out in about two hours. People are just panic-buying after what has been reported.

“Everywhere seems to be the same – I have spoken to other garages and they’re in a similar situation. Some customers have told me they have been to five garages before finding one with fuel.”

Mr Raja added that the average spend of about £30 has rocketed to £70 as drivers stock up.

Emergency deliveries are due to arrive at the station this evening but the station manager believes that unless people stop hoarding fuel, the situation will remain the same.

Unite has said it will give seven days’ notice before any strike and no date has yet been set but the surge in demand is having an impact on businesses.

Electrical contractor John McCormack was queuing to fill up at the Texaco garage in Finchley Road.

He said: “This is the third garage I’ve been to. People are just reacting to what they’ve seen on television. Once one person fills up, everyone will. I have two drivers who have rung me to say they’re running out of petrol and can’t get any – we will have to see what happens.”

Acting manager at the Texaco garage Kana Segar told the Times Series that his station had sold up to 8,000 extra litres on top of its daily average of 26,000.

He added: “It has been very, very busy. Our situation is intensified because a couple of other local garages have closed recently but I’ve not seen this before.”