AN OKEHAMPTON family-run garage is once again rationing fuel as local garages report shortages due to panic buying in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

MacCullock and Sons on East Street has reimposed a 30-litre fuel limit in a bid to protect regular customers.

This morning (Thursday), they had a delivery of fuel after being short for some days.

Forecourt manager James MacCullock issued a plea to customers to all customers to be considerate and not take anger out on staff.

‘We are trying to keep as many people on the road as possible. A lot of our regulars are carers who go out to people’s homes. Last time, before the limit was put in place they were having to drive around the countryside looking for fuel.

He added: ‘People are actually being sensible today. I think they realise the more they buy and panic, the worse the problem will get. It is about supply and demand and it is out of our control.

‘I see comments on social media saying forecourts are profiteering where we are actually making less money than usual because we are trying to keep the price low for our regulars.’

The Texaco garage at Mole Avon on Exeter Road had completely run out of fuel on Thursday after a number of days when the fuel was restricted.

Manager Candy Mitchell said: ‘We are trying to keep in touch with the other garages locally. I was in touch with the BP garage yesterday and they were out of regular diesel. We are trying to work together really, that is all we can do.’