THE bad weather is leading to "critical" shortages of petrol, caused by tankers being unable to leave refineries across the country.

Some forecourts are already out of fuel and others could run out of petrol, and especially diesel, by the weekend, warned the Retail Motor Industry Independent Petrol Retailers Association (RMI Petrol).

Filling stations in rural areas away from the main trunk roads were most likely to see shortages, RMI Petrol said.

It added that road tankers have been unable to leave the main terminals from two refineries in south Humberside - the Total refinery at Lindsey and the Jet (Conoco) refinery at Killingholme.

This was "cutting the supply chain off at its knees" but it is understood the Coryton refinery in Thurrock is managing to dispatch fuel tankers.

RMI Petrol said fuel companies with facilities in the east of the country were reporting that they were at least two or three days behind normal delivery schedules already.

SHOPPERS FLOCK TO GET ESSENTIALS

Shoppers flocked to stock up on winter essentials today amid reports of near-empty shelves and further crippling weather.

Stores recorded a surge in sales of essentials, including bread and long-life milk, as lorries struggled to make deliveries.

But while many outlets upped their orders, retailers denied reports of panic buying.

The Co-operative said its food stores were continuing to serve local communities well despite the icy weather.

A spokesman said: "Our stores are very busy as people are tending to shop locally because of the weather and there is high demand for bread, milk, salt and fresh produce.

"However, staff in our stores and distribution network are working extremely hard in difficult conditions to maintain a very good service to our customers.

"Though there are inevitably delays with some deliveries, they are getting through."

Local shops have reported increased sales as people walk to buy their groceries instead of venturing further afield in a car.