Drivers filling up their cars to try and beat the fuel crisis watched in amazement today as the price of petrol increased before their eyes.

As pumps across Sussex were running dry, Trinity Place Garage in Eastbourne was one of the few garages in the town offering fuel.

As queues built up, a member of staff altered billboards, changing the price of unleaded petrol from 82.9p a gallon to 86.9p, to match four-star.

Staff member George Ali was unable to explain the increase. He said: "It's nothing to do with me."

A number of customers challenged the decision but were left with no choice but to buy at the new rate.

The station also imposed a £10 limit for customers.

Mr Ali said: "We opened just before 7am this morning and it's been a constant stream of people since.

"The trouble is people are filling their tanks right up. If they took just some, there would be more for others.

"We had our last delivery yesterday morning and all we can do is keep going until it runs out, which won't be much longer."

Some petrol stations hiked up the cost of a litre of unleaded to as much as £1.50.

The first cases of petrol rage were seen as some took advantage of the chaos to drive away without paying while others engaged in heated arguments with attendants over imposed limits and increased prices.