PANIC STATIONS

High alert at pumps as petrol & oil prices set to soar

- PAT FLANAGAN

THERE could be queues at filling station pumps and panic buying leading to supply issues as drivers try to beat the deadline for big fuel price hikes.

The cost of oil and petrol is set to rise sharply next month when the reduction of excise duty – which was brought in to help with the cost of living crisis – ends.

Now there are growing concerns any dramatic increase in prices could have people queuing at filling stations in the days leading up to the hikes.

Fuels For Ireland chief Kevin McPartlan called for a gradual price increase to avoid potential chaos.