Panic buying among motorists is understandable as they fear blockades at fuel depots could cause shortages. But it's causing a problem that wasn't there.

Without the overstocking, there would have been enough to go round for the next few days. Now some pumps are dry.

It's easy to blame the Government for the current crisis and it's a fact that our petrol taxes are the highest in Europe.

But the recent rises are nothing to do with the Government which has held duty steady recently. They have everything to do with increases in world prices.

The Government had good reason to put up fuel duties in its first two years, following a trend set by the last Conservative Government.

The tax is designed to encourage private motorists to use other forms of transport whenever possible. When you look at the congestion in towns such as Brighton and Hove you can see why.

It would be wrong for Tony Blair to change petrol policy after a few days of blockades and pickets. That would leave the Government vulnerable to industrial action like the current French Government and British Governments of the Seventies.

But he does have to acknowledge the real public concern on this issue, particularly among the business community.

Government officials need to talk to representatives of business, including some of the people involved in blockades, to discuss their real concerns. It could be there's a case for granting rebates to some of the hard-pressed companies to prevent them from struggling, and even going to the wall.

Tony Blair has had problems this summer including the soaring cost of the Dome and continued complaints about the NHS. But compared with some of his predecessors, he's had an easy ride.

All that could change if the current crisis escalates. He'll be un-comfortably aware that fuel crises and industrial disputes helped bring down the Heath Government of 1974 and the Callaghan Administration in 1979.

The main policy should stay. But concessions to businesses may be needed and pressure put on the main oil-producing nations to increase output.

Hare today . . .

The beautifully kept grass on Hove dog track is to be replaced with sand because of the high maintenance costs.

Owner Coral says the quality of racing won't diminish and it will be easier on the hare-chasers' paws.

Fair enough. But the loss of the turf, there for 72 years, is bound to make even the most hardened of punters give out a little Ballyregan sob.