DRIVERS panic-buying diesel could leave the pumps dry in Swindon.

Several filling stations reported that they did not know when they would be getting their next delivery of fuel.

It is thought drivers panic-buying diesel following reports of a fuel price protest last week could be the cause behind the shortages.

Hauliers, farmers and motorists staged peaceful demonstrations at oil refineries and fuel terminals across Britain on Saturday in protest against record fuel prices.

At Wootton Bassett Service Station staff said they had run out of diesel and supplies of unleaded petrol were also running low.

One worker, who did not want to be named, said: "We haven't got any diesel. We didn't have any when I got in at 6am on Monday morning.

"I haven't got a clue what's behind the shortage, but we have been really, really busy in the last week.

"We have only got one last tank of unleaded to last us until next week as well.

"We are hoping to get a delivery soon but we're not quite sure when it is going to arrive."

Fuel supplies at the BP service station on Swindon Road were also running low.

Manager Suran Subimamaan said: "We have got 35,000 litres now but when that finishes I don't know when we are going to get any more.

"They are saying we might not get any more until after Christmas.

"That amount of fuel will probably last us about four days but Swindon does seem to be running out."

Mohammed Sabesraran, of the Harvest service station in Newport Street, said: "We have plenty of diesel for our customers, but have been stopping some heavy goods vehicles from filling up to make sure we have enough."

The Texaco petrol station in Bridge Street said there had been a shortage of diesel last week, but a delivery on Friday meant they were now fully stocked.

Ravi Kanapathy from the Texaco Fleming Way petrol station said they did have to close on Sunday morning, but because the till was out of order.

"We have been having problems with our tills for two days, but we are open again now and have 55,000 litres of diesel and petrol. We also have a delivery of another 38,000 litres coming so I don't think we'll have any problems."