Shadow transport secretary warns against encouraging panic buying when No 10 should be focusing on resolving dispute
Downing Street has been accused of "scaremongering" after advising motorists to take contingency measures ahead of a possible Easter Weekend tanker strike.
The planned action by Unite over health and safety standards was discussed by the cabinet on Tuesday. Unite represents around 2,000 tanker drivers, who deliver fuel to 90% of Britain's forecourts.
Ministers were told about plans to train military personnel to ensure that fuel supplies are maintained – although the training has not yet begun.
The shadow transport secretary, Maria Eagle, warned of a danger of panic fuel buying, leading to shortages, after No 10 increased pressure on the Unite union by urging motorists to be ready for a strike.
The prime minister's spokeswoman said: "It is important that people look at their contingency plans because, should there be a dispute, which is something obviously we want to avoid, then disruption is inevitable.
"Therefore people should look at their contingency plans and particularly businesses. The government is doing what it can in terms of contingencies, learning lessons from previous fuel disputes.
"But our key messages to those people involved in this industrial dispute is get round the table again and talk and don't threaten the nation with economic and social disruption."
Labour was highly critical of No 10's tough stance. Eagle said: "It would be completely reckless of ministers to give the impression that people should be panic buying which, as the AA has rightly warned, could lead to shortages even while there is still an opportunity to resolve this dispute.
"Instead of scaremongering, ministers should be focusing all of their efforts on getting both sides to negotiate to resolve the issues in dispute to avoid disruption to motorists and businesses."
The AA also warned of the danger of panic buying. Andrew Howard, an AA spokesman, said: "If people begin panic buying we could well have shortages in fuel even before the strike.
"The average British person buys petrol once a fortnight, but if everybody goes out and buys it in say the three days leading up to strike action that could be a problem."
Diana Holland, the Unite assistant general secretary, wrote to the energy secretary Ed Davey to say the government could avoid a strike launched to ensure that minimum safety standards are agreed. "We have been tireless in seeking talks to avoid industrial action, but we have been frustrated at every turn," Holland wrote.
"The government can help avoid confrontation by bringing to the table all the stakeholders in the downstream oil distribution sector – employers, oil companies, retailers and the trade union – with an agreement to establish minimum standards in a timely fashion."
Davey wrote to Holland to suggest that a forum involving Unite and the main haulage companies should be reconvened. The companies have indicated that they are prepared to engage with the forum, which did discuss health and safety. Davey has also asked the conciliation service ACAS to approach all sides to try to negotiate a settlement.