But time is running out in the deadlocked pay row which could lead to fuel shortages over the weekend.

Car drivers in some parts of the country have already started to panic-buy fuel despite pleas from the Government and the oil and transport industries to fill up cars as normal.

Some people admitted they were topping up half-full petrol tanks even though this could lead to shortages.

Officials from the Unite union and managers from two firms which deliver fuel to Shell garages held more than 10 hours of talks on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the conciliation service Acas.

The two sides have resumed direct talks without the involvement of Acas.

Drivers employed by Hoyer & Suckling are due to walk out for four days from 6am on Friday in a dispute over pay.

Sources at the talks said there was a determination to reach a deal to avoid the strike going ahead.

One in 10 of Britain's 9,500 filling stations could be hit if the strike goes ahead.

The Government has drawn up contingency plans to deal with any stoppage, allowing suppliers to share information about stocks without falling foul of competition laws.