Third day of tanker drivers' strike

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The four-day walk-out is being held by drivers employed by two companies on Shell contracts in a row over pay.

Union leaders have warned the strike will put an increasing strain on supplies as the weekend draws on, and said they will walk out again next weekend unless the dispute is resolved.

On Saturday night Shell said around 15% of its petrol stations had been affected by the action, but admitted that a sustained strike would have a "significant impact".

Sources at trade union Unite said they were hoping to avoid further industrial action and would be willing to resume negotiations with haulage firms Hoyer and Suckling.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged both sides to resume negotiations, adding that contingency plans were in place to minimise disruption to the public.

Drivers have been urged not to panic-buy but retailers have reported increased demand and were working to maintain supplies.

Unite joint leader Tony Woodley said: "This should have been solved six months ago. Shell outsourced my members' jobs years ago to cut costs and have been very successful at the workers' expense.

"Despite what management is saying, our members are on a basic wage of £31,800 and if they had remained working for Shell that would now be £46,000. What we are asking for is a basic wage of £36,000."

He added: "Shell makes profits of more than £1.5 billion a month and has a responsibility to the general public.