Unite rules out Easter fuel tanker drivers' strikes Unite, the union that represents 2,000 fuel tanker drivers, has today ruled out taking strike action over Easter. The union said it wanted to focus on peace talks to resolve the ongoing dispute. The decision not to take action comes after a day of high-confusion in Westminster and panic buying across the UK. It was also reported today that a woman in York had been badly injured transferring petrol between containers in her kitchen. The Petrol Retailers Association said that the sale of petrol had spiked yesterday to 170% higher than usual. Sales of diesel were also up by nearly 80% The union said today that any action they take would be in an attempt to halt the "race to the bottom" in the fuel oil distribution industry. They also said they had been trying for a year to get agreement on minimum standards in the industry. Acas warned yesterday that there would be hope of a deal in the next 75 hourse. Yesterday panic buying across the country caused long queues on forecourts which in turn led to some police forces asking petrol stations to close because of congestion. The government in general and cabinet minister, Francis Maude in particular, have been heavily criticised for their handling of the crisis. Maude had suggested drivers should store fuel in jerry cans in their garages, a remark that was withdrawn as a mistake. Labour leader Ed Miliband has called on the prime minister to apologise for "presiding over a shambles on petrol."