PANIC buying and stockpiling fuel is “extremely dangerous”, a fire service boss has warned.

George O’Reilly, business safety manager at East Sussex Fire and Rescue (ESFRS) has urged drivers to “return to normal purchasing patterns” and to only buy fuel when it is needed.

His comments come after long queues formed outside stations again today, after the government announced it was putting the army on standby in an effort to ensure supplies were maintained.

Mr O’Reilly, who is also chairman of the Sussex Resilience Forum set up to monitor fuel situation, said ESFRS is still able to respond to emergencies.

He said: “I can confirm that all emergency services are able to deliver business as usual. There is no impact on our ability to respond to the public when required.

“We would ask the public to help ensure this continues by refraining from buying fuel if not needed.

“There is plenty of fuel available and the deliver companies have plans that are designed to deliver stock for normal usage rates.

“If the public buy fuel when it is not actually required, it is increasing demand and creating challenges for the suppliers in getting stock to the petrol stations in a timely manner.

“The simple solution is for the public to return to normal purchasing patterns, and this can be done by only buying fuel when it is needed, in the quantity needed and to refrain from stockpiling fuel.

“This stockpiling is extremely dangerous and is likely to delay any return to normal.”

The service is also advising against storing petrol at home to prevent fire risk.

Earlier today, The South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb), which serves Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex, urged drivers to be “sensible” and not panic buy fuel amid fears long queues could cause emergency teams to get stuck.

A spokesman for Secamb said: “We have sufficient fuel stocks and are continuing to work with our partners to monitor the situation while supporting staff.

“We urge the public to be sensible, only buy the fuel they require and, as ever, be aware when driving of any blue light vehicle looking to progress through traffic.”

Ministers announced late on Monday that soldiers were being put on standby to deliver fuel, amid concerns that a shortage of tanker drivers was threatening the ability of the oil companies to maintain supplies.

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