As the Banffshire Journal was going to press, Portsoy Motors reported that they were out of diesel, while the Union Road filling station in Macduff had run out of supplies of super-unleaded.

However, after last week's long queues at the pump, there were signs that the initial outbreak of panic-buying has abated.

With more supplies expected this week, local owners anticipated a return to something like normal service very soon – though there was still some uncertainty in the longer term.

Owner of Macduff's Union Road Filling Station, Andrew Laing told the Journal: "We have managed to maintain supply by putting a £20 limit on purchases.

"People were queuing for fuel, but that was only because we had stock.

"Unleaded was out for a while, but we had super-unleaded.

"We've got fuel at the moment and there is more coming in."

He added: "I'm not really concerned, but it's difficult to say what will happen – we're not sure if this was just a one off.

"We'll endeavour to manage customers on our stock in a responsible manner."

Portsoy Motors on Seafield Terrace confirmed that they had been out of diesel supplies since last Wednesday but were expecting more yesterday or today (Wednesday). The station reported there was no shortage of unleaded.

Portsoy Motors partner June Masson said: "We ran out of diesel on Wednesday as a result of panic buying.

"People were not sticking to their normal buying patterns – on Tuesday it got quite manic.

"We're not allowing cans but we didn't put a limit on purchases as we thought it might just increase queues.

"We had a delivery on Wednesday and we have plenty of unleaded now.

"Sales seem to have dried up for the moment because people have plenty of fuel."

She also paid tribute to local businesses that rely on diesel supplies for their understanding and support throughout the period of shortages.

Chaos at the pumps last week in Macduff, as motorists queued along the main road, waiting to fill their tanks, as police attempt to keep the road clear. At one stage, the queue snaked back right to the Deveron Bridge.

She said: "I don't think people have considered how local businessmen have had to deal with the lack of diesel. They could fill their tanks, but when the diesel is finished, they can't operate their business."

Mrs Willena Skene of Banff's Victoria filling station on Boyndie Road did not report any shortages and said that service on Monday was largely back to normal and the forecourt was quiet.

However, she confirmed that the £20 limit on purchases was still in place and would only be relaxed when the situation became clearer.

She also thanked customers for their understanding and praised them for working with the garage to minimise problems.

* Meanwhile, stations in the area have hit back at media claims of profiteering in the wake of the strike at the Grangemouth oil refinery.

Prices at the pumps in Banff, Macduff and Portsoy have increased since news of the strike broke over a week ago – but owners insist this is a result of increased prices from suppliers and say they are doing everything in their power to minimise the effect on the customer.

Mrs Skene, of the Victoria Filling Station, was angered by the accusations.

She told the Journal: "Allegations of profiteering do not make the situation any easier.

"Last week we were even accused by a local businessman – people should find out their facts before they make blanket statements of profiteering.

"Our prices change on a daily basis. If the price goes up, it's because the price to us has gone up."

Portsoy Motors and Gleaner Oils in Macduff also refuted claims of profiteering and echoed the fact that their prices were based on the cost from the supplier.

Prices have risen by around 2p a litre in the area over the last week.

On Monday, the forecourt prices in Macduff were 121.9p for diesel and 110.9p for unleaded.

In Banff and Portsoy, the prices stood at 123.9p and 112.9p respectively.

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