Fuel strike gets underway

Drivers were today being urged to buy only the fuel they need as more than 600 tanker drivers began a four-day strike.

The drivers, who work for two companies delivering fuel to Shell forecourts in the UK, walked out at six o'clock this morning.

Last-minute talks aimed at resolving the dispute ended without agreement when the Unite union rejected an improved pay offer.

Shell said it had contingency plans in place but admitted some of its 1,000 petrol stations might run out of fuel. E SF

Unite said the improved pay offer from Hoyer UK and Suckling Transport, who employ the drivers, was "not sufficient".

The employers said their latest offer would take drivers' average earnings to about £41,500, up from the current average salary of £36,500.