Diesel shortage across Isle of Man prompts warning

Drivers on the Isle of Man have been asked not to panic buy fuel after diesel pumps on the island ran dry over the weekend.

The Manx government warned last week that higher global oil prices would soon impact the island as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Spar Isle of Man, which has five forecourts, published a number of updates on Facebook and appealed for motorists to "only purchase fuel if you are running extremely low".

Confirming it was expecting fresh supplies later on Monday, Spar Isle of Man added: "We kindly ask that you avoid refilling if your current supply can last until the next scheduled deliveries."

There have been hundreds of comments from islanders on social media about the shortages, criticising motorists for "panic buying" and "stockpiling".

Local mobile fuel delivery service Island Fuels said it had been "absolutely inundated with orders" as a result of depleted stocks.

As the situation unfolded, several businesses decided to limit customers to a maximum of £20.

Station Garage, in Castletown, said it was due to receive a diesel delivery later on Monday.

Apologising to customers, it has revealed that the new price of a litre of diesel will be £1.85 - an increase of approximately 50p.

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