PLUMMETING petrol supplies has sparked a wave of panic-buying in Tavistock, as householders fear food stocks will be the next to run out.

People in the area are hitting the shops early, fearful that by the end of the week the shelves will be empty.

Simon Cusden, manager at Stokes fruit and vegetable shop in Tavistock, said: 'We've managed to double order so we're open tomorrow — we're hoping for a delivery on Friday but that's still in the balance, so tomorrow could be our last day.

'I think people are getting a bit panicky.'

Mr Cusden said Stokes has accounts with independent shops who are also increasing orders.

'Obviously our lorries can't get diesel nor our suppliers. It's all having a knock-on effect.'

A spokesperson for Tavistock's Plymco store said: 'It's been mad — we are trying to limit bread to two loaves per customer. They're just bombarding us!'

The store is unable to order extra bread although as the Times went to press, normal deliveries were arriving — but the spokesman said the weekend could see supplies grinding to a halt.

Diane Andrews of Spar in Ford Street said: 'People have been panic buying. We've got no bread — it's coming today but won't come tomorrow. Most of the daily papers won't be here Friday if it carries on.'

Vic Stacey, managing director of Creber's, said: 'We were due to get two or three wine deliveries in that haven't arrived.

'We're OK this week, but we could be in trouble if it goes on longer.'

William Gorman, manager of Tavistock's Unigate Dairycrest depot, has nine vans covering West Devon and East Cornwall. He said: 'I am having to make some changes. People might be getting doubled up deliveries, but we are coping well — I hope customers will bear with us.'

Somerfield in Tavistock reported no problems with deliveries, but a spokesman said stock-piling was beginning to occur. The store has cancelled its home delivery service until further notice.

John Bowman, manager at Safeway, said: 'It's been generally very busy all round — most people are shifting their shopping patterns from the end of the week.'

Derek Evans, manager at Boots the Chemist, said customers 'shouldn't worry' about essential medical supplies.

'Contingency plans are in place and local suppliers have fuel in their depots,' he said.

The fuel crisis is also hitting small businesses.

Geoff Blainer, office manager of Tavistock Radio Taxis, said the six cars run by the firm would carry on while they could.

'I think everybody understands the situation but it's an inconvenience, especially for the drivers as they'll lose money,' he said.

Charlie Morgan of Gunnislake is self-employed — he blames the Government for the crisis.

'It's a pain. I'm now down quite low on petrol — it affects my business because if I can't get the petrol, I can't do the calls and can't make a living,' he said.

Panic petrol buying had drained the town's pumps by Tuesday.

John Haskins of Tavistock Service Station said: 'We've got absolutely nothing and we don't know when we'll get more.'

Mr Haskins said with hindsight, he wished he had rationed his customers.

'We had one chap come in who filled about nine cans plus his car. Some people were buying £80 or £90 worth, which just cleared me out,' he said.

'Most people are quite sympathetic to the cause, their main concern is getting to work.'

Mr Haskins said even if the blockade was lifted immediately, order backlogs mean it will take several days for supplies to get back to normal.

With just one garage at Safeway left open in Tavistock on Monday afternoon, motorists desperate for fuel soon clogged Plymouth Road with traffic.

'It was bedlam,' said customer service manager Paul Kennelly.

Customers were rationed to £15 worth of fuel from lunchtime, eking out supplies which would normally last three days.

'We had about 12 staff marshalling during the day — the store manager and myself were out there for 13 hours,' he said.

The picture was equally bleak in outlying areas. Yelverton Garage was dry by Monday, Dartmoor Garage at Princetown could offer £5 worth of petrol to customers.

Fuel at Carrs Garage in Lamerton ran out on Monday — owner Bob Carr said he was keeping just a little back for disabled people.