PETROL panic again gripped East Lancashire today as drivers rushed to beat the threat of new blockades.

It was all hands to the pumps in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale as filling stations reported double normal sales after the government again appeared on a collision course with tax-cut campaigners.

Queues formed at some filling stations as motorists ignored "don't panic" calls and topped up their tanks.

It was doubly busy at Nelson's Hollin Bank service station where manager Siemi Shoaib said the situation had been chaotic.

"We have ben extremely busy all week. People are panicking and everyone is asking if the crisis is coming back."

She added: "There is no need for panic -- we are fairly well stocked up at the moment."

A spokesman at Colne Asda said yesterday's sales were 75 per cent up and the station was getting low on unleaded supplies -- but expected a delivery today.

"It has definitely been fuelled by press reports and people are reacting, but I am sure it will settle down." The Rawtenstall Asda site reported sales doubled yesterday and motorists were again flocking to fill up today.

There were queues at Brown Brothers' petrol station in Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, where partner Keith Brown said it was like a return to the September situation as sales soared.

"Our suppliers tell us they are struggling to keep supplies coming because of the increased demand.

"It seems to result from a combination of half term holidays, the bad weather and the reaction to press reports."

The 24-hour Colne Service Station was kept busy throughout the night, said manager Sandra Lord.

"It is just panic buying and it is still going on today -- but there is no need for it," she added. Casterton Avenue service station was forced to close several times this week -- not because of fuel shortages, but by weather conditions.

Heavy rain leaked through the roof damaging vital equipment, but spokesman Neil Edwards said he hoped to re-open later today. The Casterton closure added to the rush at Hollin Bank.

In Blackburn queues were building up at petrol stations, with some 24-hour filling stations reportedly closed having run out of fuel supplies. Graham Ashcroft duty inspector with Blackburn Police today issued a warning. "One or two petrol stations have run dry but there is absolutely no problem with the supply of petrol," he said. "I would ask the public not to panic buy as there are no anticipated problems regarding the supply of petrol."

Picture: Cones go up at Casterton Avenue Service Station, Burnley, as the petrol pumps run dry