People Are Panic Buying Petrol… But We’re Not Actually Running Out

1 April 2026

Paul Francis

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The Scenes Starting to Feel Familiar

Across parts of the UK, the scenes are starting to feel uncomfortably familiar. Long queues are forming at petrol stations, pumps are running dry in certain areas, and motorists are filling up earlier than they normally would. Reports from places like Manchester, London and parts of Scotland suggest drivers have been waiting extended periods just to access fuel, while some stations have temporarily run out altogether as demand surged.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/long-queues-at-uk-petrol-stations-amid-fears-of-fuel-price-hike-public-told-to-avoid-panic-buying-11165127?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fuel pump with labels: Premium and Unleaded 95, 100. Green and blue nozzles below. Yellow emergency button on the right.

At first glance, it looks like the early stages of a fuel crisis. The visuals alone, queues stretching down roads and “no fuel” signs appearing at pumps, are enough to make people think something serious is happening.

But the reality is more nuanced than that.

We Are Not Running Out of Petrol

Despite what these scenes might suggest, there is currently no confirmed nationwide fuel shortage in the UK. Industry groups and retailers have been clear that overall supply remains stable, with fuel continuing to arrive through imports, refining and existing distribution networks.

https://www.londonbusinessmag.co.uk/is-there-going-to-be-a-petrol-shortage/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

What we are seeing is not a collapse in supply, but a surge in demand. When a large number of people decide to fill up at the same time, local stations can temporarily run dry before deliveries catch up. That creates the impression of a shortage, even when there is sufficient fuel within the wider system.

In simple terms, the issue is not that the UK is running out of petrol. It is because more people than usual are trying to buy it all at once.

How Panic Buying Actually Starts

Panic buying rarely begins with a real shortage. More often, it starts with uncertainty and the perception that something might go wrong. In this case, rising oil prices and global tensions have been widely reported, particularly around the Middle East and key shipping routes. That alone is enough to make people think ahead and act cautiously.

Once that idea takes hold, behaviour shifts quickly. People begin topping up earlier than they need to, just in case prices rise further or supply tightens. Others notice queues forming and assume there must be a genuine problem, which encourages them to join in.

At that point, the system starts to feel the strain. Supply chains are built around predictable patterns of demand, not sudden spikes. When thousands of people change their behaviour at the same time, even a stable system can appear to be under pressure.

The Self-Fulfilling Problem

This is where the situation becomes circular. Panic buying has a tendency to create the very outcome people are trying to avoid. When stations are emptied faster than they can be replenished, local shortages appear. Those shortages are then seen, shared and discussed, which reinforces the belief that fuel is running out.

Retailers and industry groups have warned that this kind of behaviour can become a self-fulfilling cycle, where fear of shortages drives the very disruption people are trying to avoid.

The result is not a lack of fuel overall, but an imbalance in how and when it is being accessed.

We Have Seen This Before

This pattern is not new. During the Covid pandemic, toilet paper became one of the most visible examples of panic buying in the UK. Shelves were emptied, images circulated widely, and it quickly felt as though supply had collapsed.

In reality, it had not. Supply chains were still functioning, and there was enough product in the system. The issue was that people were buying far more than usual, and doing so at the same time.

A similar pattern appeared during the UK fuel disruption in 2021. Although there were distribution challenges, the situation escalated significantly because of panic buying. Once behaviour returned to normal, supply stabilised.

These examples highlight a consistent theme. The shortage is often not the starting point. It is the result of how people respond to perceived risk.

Is Social Media Adding Fuel to the Fire?

One factor that has become more prominent in recent years is the role of social media. Images of queues, empty pumps or people stockpiling fuel can spread rapidly, often without context. What might be a local issue can quickly feel like a national one.

This creates a feedback loop. People are not only reacting to what is happening around them, but also to what they see happening elsewhere. That can amplify concern and accelerate behaviour changes, even if the underlying situation has not significantly worsened. Psychologists have noted that uncertainty combined with visible stockpiling can drive people to follow the same behaviour.

There is also evidence that public messaging can unintentionally contribute to the problem. Warnings about panic buying, while well-intentioned, can reinforce the idea that there is something to worry about.

The Reality Behind the Headlines

What we are seeing now is not a breakdown in fuel supply, but a shift in public behaviour. Queues, temporary shortages and limits at certain stations are symptoms of demand spikes, not evidence of a nationwide crisis. Even recent warnings from retailers point to short-term disruption at specific locations, not a systemic issue.

There is an important distinction between rising prices, local disruption and a genuine shortage. At the moment, the UK is dealing with the first two, not the third.

The Simple Truth

There is a straightforward, if slightly uncomfortable, truth at the centre of all of this. If people had not panicked bought, there would be no issue. Fuel supply in the UK is designed to meet normal demand, and it functions effectively when people fill up as they need to.

When behaviour shifts collectively, the system struggles to keep pace. That does not mean it is failing. It means it is being used in a way it was not designed to handle.

The same was true with toilet paper. The same was true in 2021. And it is the same pattern we are starting to see again now.

The system is not running out.

It is being overwhelmed.

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The Lost Legends of Cinema: Films That Never Came to Be

Connor Banks
Aug 12, 2024
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In the glittering world of Hollywood, not all dreams make it to the silver screen. Some projects, despite their enormous potential and the star-studded talent attached to them, remain forever in the realm of "what could have been." Among these are some of the most intriguing and ambitious films never made, each with its own unique story that has captivated the imaginations of fans and filmmakers alike. From Alejandro Jodorowsky’s psychedelic epic to George Miller’s ambitious superhero ensemble, these unproduced films offer a glimpse into alternate cinematic realities.

Jodorowsky's Dune: The Psychedelic Epic

Jodorowsky's Dune stands out as perhaps the most legendary of these unfinished projects. In the mid-1970s, avant-garde filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky embarked on an audacious quest to adapt Frank Herbert’s science fiction masterpiece, "Dune." His vision was nothing short of revolutionary, intending to create a 10-14 hour cinematic experience that would transcend traditional film and become a transformative journey for viewers. Jodorowsky assembled an extraordinary team, including surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, Orson Welles, Mick Jagger, and H.R. Giger, with a soundtrack by Pink Floyd. Despite the staggering talent and creativity involved, the project was ultimately deemed too ambitious and costly. Financial and logistical issues, combined with Hollywood's reluctance to back such an unconventional vision, led to its demise. The story of "Jodorowsky’s Dune" was later immortalised in a 2013 documentary, offering a fascinating look at what might have been and showcasing the profound influence it had on future science fiction films.

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote: A Dream Delayed

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote concept art piece

Equally compelling is Terry Gilliam’s "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote." Gilliam, known for his work with Monty Python and his uniquely surreal directorial style, spent nearly three decades attempting to bring this project to life. The film, a loose adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes’ classic novel, faced an extraordinary array of setbacks. The initial production in 2000 was plagued by natural disasters, financial issues, and a severe back injury suffered by lead actor Jean Rochefort. These calamities, captured in the documentary "Lost in La Mancha," halted the project, and subsequent attempts to revive it faced similar challenges. It wasn’t until 2018 that Gilliam finally completed the film, though it differed significantly from his original vision. The journey of "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" remains a testament to artistic perseverance, highlighting the often tumultuous path from script to screen.

Atuk: The Cursed Comedy

"Atuk," based on Mordecai Richler’s novel "The Incomparable Atuk," has earned its place in Hollywood legend due to the so-called "Atuk curse." This comedy about an Inuit navigating the modern urban jungle was attached to several high-profile actors, each of whom died under tragic and unexpected circumstances before production could begin. John Belushi, Sam Kinison, John Candy, and Chris Farley all expressed interest or were cast in the lead role, only to meet untimely deaths. The eerie pattern of misfortune has led to a macabre fascination with the project, ensuring that "Atuk" remains one of the most infamous unproduced films in history.

Batman: Year One: The Dark Reimagining

Concept of Gotham City as seen from Above

In the realm of superhero cinema, Darren Aronofsky’s "Batman: Year One" represents a radical departure from the traditional portrayals of the Dark Knight. Aronofsky, known for his dark and psychologically intense films, envisioned a gritty reboot of Batman that would strip the character down to his essence. This version of Bruce Wayne would lose his fortune, live on the streets, and don a makeshift costume. Despite the intriguing premise, Warner Bros. ultimately chose a different path, opting for Christopher Nolan’s "Batman Begins," which balanced realism with a more traditional narrative. Aronofsky’s bold vision remains a fascinating "what if" scenario, reflecting the creative risks involved in reimagining iconic characters.

Justice League: Mortal: The Superhero Ensemble That Almost Was

Finally, George Miller’s "Justice League: Mortal" was an ambitious attempt to bring together DC Comics' most iconic superheroes in a single film long before the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With a cast that included Armie Hammer as Batman, D.J. Cotrona as Superman, and Megan Gale as Wonder Woman, the project promised a sprawling, epic narrative. However, it was plagued by a series of setbacks, including the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike, financial issues, and concerns over audience confusion due to multiple actors playing the same characters in different franchises. Despite never being made, "Justice League: Mortal" has become a source of endless speculation and interest, illustrating the complexities and challenges of launching a shared cinematic universe.

The Allure of the Unmade

These unproduced films, each with their unique blend of ambition, talent, and misfortune, offer a tantalising glimpse into the alternate realities of cinema. They stand as reminders of the fragile nature of filmmaking, where even the most promising projects can falter and fall into the realm of legend. Yet, their stories continue to inspire, serving as both cautionary tales and sources of endless fascination for those who dream of what might have been.