Pub offers food discount for drivers who don't panic-buy petrol

A savvy pub has introduced a discount on food for people who can prove they haven't been panic-buying petrol.

The Riverside Inn in Northwich, Cheshire, urged people to "fill up with some food and drink" instead of fuel, and said if motorists showed they had less than half a tank of fuel in their vehicle they would get 20% off their food bill.

In a post on its Facebook page on Tuesday, the pub said the savings would be offered to people who could prove that they are "not part of the problem".

The move comes after petrol stations across the country were inundated with customers amid concerns of a fuel crisis due to a shortage of lorry drivers.

In its Facebook post, the Riverside said: "It’s mayhem at the petrol stations!

"Don’t be a panic buyer, instead of waiting to fill your car up why don’t you come down and fill up with some food and drink instead!

"Prove to us you’re not part of the problem by taking a picture of your fuel indicator that’s got less than half a tank and we’ll give you 20% off your food bill!"

Read more: Chart shows how fuel prices have soared in the past year

The post was met with a flurry of responses from members of the public, with one Facebook user said: "Weaverham roundabout will be rammed now with cars doing laps trying to get their petrol down to half a tank before they arrive."

Another said: "Would love to but can’t get there no petrol!"

Watch: Soldiers to fill pumps as UK fuel crisis drags

In response to the situation, army tanker drivers have been put on standby to drive fuel tankers, with the military drivers due to receive specialised training to drive HGVs.

Some ministers and MPs have blamed panic-buying on media coverage of the situation.

Watch: Is a UK state pension enough to survive on in retirement?