FILLING frenzy continued in Bolton this morning with queues forming as early as 7am at any stations where petrol could be obtained.

Desperate motorists forming long lines at the Shell garage in Kay Street, caused chaos on Blackburn Road.

At Bolton West Services, where fuel was available for emergency services only on the northbound station and for general consumption southbound, drivers were being warned they faced a wait of at least 50 minutes before being served.

But while nationally 20 per cent of petrol stations had received deliveries, experts were continuing to predict that it would take at least two weeks before fuel supplies would return to normal.

This morning many transport-related businesses were battling to provide normal services.

Charles Oakes, secretary of Bolton Taxi Association, which represents black cab drivers, said: "The trouble is none of the garages can guarantee regular supplies so we are just having to take it day by day.