Emergency talks over tanker strike Ministers are to discuss emergency plans to deal with a tanker driver strike with haulier bosses, as panic-buying continues at the pumps. Energy Secretary Ed Davey will lead the talks as the Government continues to face serious criticism of its handling of the threatened industrial action. The Petrol Retailers Association, which represents about 5,500 garages, blamed Government advice, including the much-criticised call by Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude to fill up jerry cans. "This is exactly what we didn't want - people panic-buying," a spokesman said. Deliveries are still being made to garages and we are advising people to continue with their normal buying habits. Conciliation talks aimed at heading off the walkout will not be held before Monday once initial contacts with the Unite union and the seven distribution firms have been concluded by Acas. However despite any decision on strike action remaining some way off, long queues continued at many forecourts and some petrol stations were forced to close as motorists filled up.