Petrol station chiefs have been forced to defend staying open late for NHS staff to fill up their cars.
Chaddesley Fuel Station & Shop usually closes at 9pm on Saturdays but stayed open until 10.30pm on Saturday night so health workers could buy petrol and diesel.
Bosses have been forced to defend their plans after being hit by criticism that others could not take advantage of the service.
It comes as drivers have been facing long queues as they try to fill up, with some petrol stations running out of fuel due to panic-buying.
Customers have been told to avoid panic buying as a shortage of HGV drivers threatens the supply chain.
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BirminghamLive reports that the fuel station in Kidderminster, Birmingham, posted on Facebook saying: "The garage will be staying open later this evening for NHS Staff only. From 9-10.30pm.
"You will need your NHS photo ID card before filling up. Thank you."
The business was praised by hundreds of people online who shared the news.
But business owners were forced to defend their kind gesture after being hit with criticism online.
Some social media users asked the business about carers or people in "everyday jobs".
Anita Nostud commented: "Some of us are private carers who actually take the pressure off NHS but we don't have ID but nonetheless essential working with very vulnerable people in the community often in areas others won't go .....l appreciate what you are doing l really do but we are extremely essential too."
Mike Preece said: "What about your everyday customers."
Sue Johnson added: "Is that fair, people need fuel to get to their jobs.
"To keep the roof over their head. How about you stop letting people fill up and only allow a certain amount then everybody can get fuel and I know you can do that as I've worked in fuel stations.
"Its not just the NHS that needs to get to work."
The petrol station posted later added: "We do appreciate all essential workers and are open as usual for everyone.
"The extra hour or so this evening is for NHS emergency services, care workers with ID badges.
"I’m sorry we can’t accommodate everyone during these later hours."
