A PETROL station in Bolton has implemented new rules after forecourts reported running dry due to panic buying.

Mercury Service Station in Westhoughton, which is expecting a tank of fuel imminently, has now put in place new measures to combat the fuel shortage.

The petrol forecourt manager said: “We have capped the petrol limit at £20 for cars and £30 for Ubers and taxis.

“There is no limit for emergency services vehicles, but HGV drivers are capped at £50.”

He continued: “We ran out of fuel on Sunday.

“There is plenty of fuel at the refineries but they’ve struggled to get the drivers to transport the petrol.

“It’s all a bit hectic.”

Over the weekend petrol stations posted notices about deliveries while others taped off the pumps after they ran dry.

Fuel is currently available at Shell petrol station on Kay Street and BP garage on Bridgeman Place.

Firwood Service Station on Crompton Way has also been hit by the fuel shortage and has no petrol.

Petrol shortages have caused chaos in Bolton after the nationwide crisis hit the borough over the weekend.

The fuel shortage in Bolton is currently being caused by drivers panic buying petrol.

AA president Edmund King said the issue will resolve itself if drivers stick to their normal fuel routine.

Key worker David Morrison said: “Cashier told me 9 out of 10 customers were buying less than a tenners worth as their tanks already 3/4 full or 7/8ths full before they pulled in.

“Meanwhile, key workers using vans like myself, running on fumes, can’t get a look in.”

Another resident, Joe Atkinson, wrote: “I need fuel today for my job tomorrow.”

The government has urged people to refrain from panic buying.

A government spokesperson said: “There is no shortage of fuel in the UK, and people should continue to buy fuel as normal.

“We recognise the challenges facing industry and have already taken action to increase the supply of HGV drivers, including streamlining the process for new drivers and increasing the number of driving tests.

“We continue to closely monitor labour supply and work with sector leaders to understand how we can best ease particular pinch points.”