Motorists panic buy in Dartford during fuel protests in 2005

Kent fire chiefs have warned motorists against stockpiling fuel amid growing petrol panic.

Forecourts across the county have begun to run dry following a rush to the pumps ahead of a possible tanker driver strike.

It came after Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude suggested motorists fill up any spare jerry cans with fuel even though the walk-out might not begin for two weeks.

However, Kent Fire and Rescue Service is among the fire bridges to criticise the government advice.

Stuart Skilton, head of community safety at KFRS, said: "We strongly advise against bulk buying and storage of petrol and people need to be aware that there are strict regulations about how and where it is kept.

"Only approved storage containers should be used and residents should not store or transport more than a maximum of two times 10 litres in approved metal containers, or two times five litres in approved plastic containers, over and above that stored in your vehicle fuel tank."

Some garages in Faversham ran dry today while other Kent filling stations reported a marked increase in sales.

Vinny Madu, manager at the Shell garage in Canterbury Road, Faversham, said: "People have been queuing since 8am this morning and consequently we ran out of fuel."

At the Shell Garage in the town's Thanet Way, manager Sathi Seelam reported the garage ran out of fuel on Tuesday after people rushed to the pumps.

Mr Seelam said: "We had to close early yesterday after we ran out of fuel. We had another delivery last night, which has nearly run out too."

Prime Minister David Cameron has been chairing an emergency meeting of Cobra today to discuss contingency plans.

It is thought the tanker driver strike could begin over the Easter weekend.

Have you spotted long queues at the pumps or garages running out of fuel? Please email your pictures to multimedianews@thekmgroup.co.uk.