Petrol stations across Norwich have been running dry because of a delay in the fuel supply chain.

Petrol stations across Norwich have been running dry because of a delay in the fuel supply chain.

Some forecourts in the city had problems getting hold of fuel earlier this week as the industry continues to feel the effects of a refinery fire in Essex.

The blaze at the Petroplus Coryton refinery on October 31 damaged part of the production unit and means that the company, which supplies 22pc of the UK's forecourt demand, will produce less than half its 220,000 barrel- per-day output for the next month. Tankers have to travel further to fill up and deliveries are taking longer than usual.

Paul Hardy, at the BP service station in Hall Road, Norwich, said that the usual 48-hour delivery turnaround is being stretched to its limits. He said: "We've been having problems. Instead of getting the delivery on the day we want it, it takes longer so we run out for a while."

Shell forecourts have been the hardest hit as the majority of their fuel comes from the Coryton depot. The forecourts on Plumstead Road and Ipswich Road in the city both ran out of fuel at times earlier this week.

It is hoped that the shortages will only be a short-term problem while repairs are carried out at the refinery.