THE threat of a fuel blockade has sparked petrol panic buying across south Essex.

Queues of more than 50 cars could be seen stretching across forecourts and down roads as motorists tried to fill up before threatened protests take place this week about spiralling fuel costs.

The price of petrol has rocketed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, with the average cost of a litre of unleaded reaching 95.5p.

This has led to threats of protests including motorway go-slows and refinery blockades by haulage companies and campaign groups.

Motorists queued for more than half an hour at the Waitrose petrol station, in Eastern Avenue, Southend.

Jared Hughes, Waitrose department manager, said: "There has been an absolutely massive increase. We have had people queuing all day all the way back to the roundabout.

"There are at least 50 cars at a time. We are holding up OK at the moment but if trade continues like this it will only be matter of time before we run out.

"However, we have sufficient deliveries due so we should be all right."

Traffic jams also blocked part of the London Road as drivers queued to fill up at the Tesco Extra service station, in Leigh.