Dorset Police are urging residents not to panic buy as there is no fuel shortage in the county.

Concerns about a shortage of fuel has led to an increase in the number of motorists visiting filling stations across the county. This has caused long queues and congestion on roads, which has resulted in delays to other motorists and is having an impact on critical and emergency services.

Partner agencies met to discuss the issue and provide reassurance to communities that it will not impact on their services to the public. They are collectively calling for the public to behave sensibly and not panic buy.

Superintendent Dean O'Connor, of Dorset Police, said: "Like many other parts of the country, Dorset is experiencing a delay in delivery of fuel to forecourts, but there is no suggestion that there is a fuel shortage.

"We have received multiple reports today of roads being blocked as a result of people queuing to buy petrol and diesel. I would strongly urge people to not panic buy as it is only compounding the situation."

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: "There is currently no fuel shortage in Dorset. I would urge all motorists to not panic buy fuel; only buy what you need when you need it and to be considerate of others."

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Area Manager Seth Why said: "There is no fuel issue in Dorset, and you will not see a delay in receiving an emergency response from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue. We would urge the public to remain calm, not stockpile fuel and be considerate of others when using fuel stations."

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