Scots could face another month of disruption at petrol stations amid the ongoing fuel crisis, it has been reported.
Drivers have queued in significant numbers at forecourts across the country due to a shortage in fuel supplies in recent days.
Maximum spending caps have been introduced at a number of filling stations in Scotland to help deal with the lack of stock.
The Times is reporting that the crisis could continue to pose an issue for motorists throughout October - even if people stop panic buying.
Industry sources said that it would take time for petrol stations to recover their stock levels.
It is understood that the current average level of fuel in the UK’s petrol stations is around 20 per cent - which is a fall from the normal levels of 43 per cent.
Stock shortages have come amid a fall in the number of HGV drivers across the UK. The Road Haulage Association estimates that the UK is short by more than 100,000 drivers.
Temporary visas are expected to be handed out by the UK Government to around 5,000 foreign HGV drivers in a bid to alleviate the crisis.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said that Brexit was to blame for the lack of drivers.
The SNP minister previously said that Scotland has an adequate petrol supply to meet normal purchasing patterns. But he also expressed fears that a spike in demand could lead to pumps running out quickly.
Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Mr Swinney said: “There is an adequate supply of fuel to meet normal demand, but it does hinge on being able to distribute that fuel to all locations.
"From my experience of dealing with difficulties about fuel supply in the past, when we had industrial action amongst tanker drivers, supply can run out very quickly because the petrol stations are being replenished with supply on a really very regular basis."
He continued: "In a normal purchasing pattern then, I'm confident there is a distribution arrangement in place that can adequately supply those petrol stations.
"But obviously, if there is an increased demand for fuel, then that will put pressure on the distribution companies in being able to meet that demand in all locations around the country."
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