Drivers laid siege to town filling stations amid fears that the pumps may soon run dry.  They ignored pleas for calm as last ditch talks were held in a bid to avert an oil refinery shut down and strike. And the panic buying - combined with ongoing roadworks - brought traffic gridlock to Glenrothes on Monday night.

In scenes reminiscent of the fuel protests of eight years ago, long queues have been forming at petrol stations allover Fife as people fill up their vehicles.

A Fife garage is taking full advantage of national fuel shortage fears by upping their Diesel prices by a whopping 25percent. Rix Garage in Kirkcaldy is charging a scandalous £1.45 for a litre of Diesel and £1.25 for Unleaded.

The government has urged motorists not to panic. But it has admitted activating the first stage of contingency plans to keep fuel flowing, which could ultimately lead to rationing.

The Automobile Association has urged drivers to keep to their normal re-fuelling routines because panic buying is likely to cause shortages. Trading standards officers have also urged people not to stockpile petrol at their home.