According to reports, huge queues at petrol forecourts have seen demand rise by 172%. This has left some sites running dry, but most say they are coping.

Despite the government denying that they were causing panic buying, the queues at the pumps began after they advised topping up tanks if they went below a half. This is despite the fact that a strike hasn’t even been organised or confirmed yet.

The Petrol Retailers Association said of the queues, "This is exactly what we didn't want - people panic buying."

Unite, the union representing tanker drivers would have to give seven days notice before giving the strike order, and they are currently in negotiations with oil companies. Talks have now paused for the weekend, and will resume on Monday.

Conciliation company Acas who are holding the talks, said they were receiving more details from both sides: "This will enable us to determine more clearly the form substantive talks should take to provide the best opportunity for a negotiated settlement."

Energy secretary Ed Davey has been told to meet with hauliers to organise a contingency plan in case a strike goes ahead.

Labour meanwhile have accused the Tories of taking advantage of the strike to divert attention away from criticism over their Budget. Labour leader Ed Miliband called for David Cameron to apologise for "presiding over a shambles". The Conservatives responded by criticising Labour for failing to condemn Unite, the party’s biggest donor.