The Government says the situation with the petrol crisis in the UK is stabilising and improving.
But experts warn the shortages could last for months, with one senior minister admitting they will last at least another 'week or so'.
According to The Mirror, fuel industry leaders say more than one in four petrol stations are still empty.
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The chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has warned that fuel shortages are getting worse in some parts of the country.
Brian Madderson said it remains a “really big problem” in London and the South East.
He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “In London and the South East and possibly parts of eastern England, if anything it had got worse.”
Mr Madderson welcomed the announcement that military drivers are to be deployed from Monday, but he warned it will only have a limited impact.
“This isn’t going to be the major panacea,” he said. “It’s a large help but in terms of the volume, they are not going to be able to carry that much.
“We do need a prioritisation of deliveries to filling stations – particularly the independent ones which are the neighbourhood retail sites – in London and the South East starting immediately.”
He said rising world oil prices mean motorists should expect higher prices at the pumps when filling stations are resupplied.
“Expect anything from 1, 2 or even 3p a litre increases at the pump. This is not profiteering. This is genuine wholesale price increases causes by global factors.”
The problem has been caused by a shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers in the UK - not enough to deliver food, fuel and other supplies.
Experts say the situation is just set to get worse.
Yesterday there were warnings meat supplies will run short before Christmas.
Ruth Gregory, of consultants Capital Economics, said: “Clouds are darkening.”
Campaign group FairFuelUK said pump prices will “definitely” rise by 5p per litre in the coming week - experts predict fuel prices will reach a record high within weeks.
The Company Chemists’ Association said deliveries to pharmacies were also being held up.
In Lancashire, 500 schools will offer a reduced lunch menu from next week.
The council said it would focus on providing jacket potatoes, soups, sandwiches and fresh fruit.
Paramedics and firefighters have been sent letters by the Government inviting them to change professions and become HGV drivers.
