DRIVERS are being urged by the Government to “buy fuel as normal”, after the lorry driver shortage hit supplies.

BP said a “handful” of its filling stations are closed due to a lack of fuel available, while Esso owner ExxonMobil also said a “small number” of its Tesco Alliance petrol forecourts have been impacted.

A Government spokeswoman 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." The Government said it was keeping a close eye on the situation, adding: “We continue to closely monitor labour supply and work with sector leaders to understand how we can best ease particular pinch points.”