Petrol stations across Portugal are running dry as tanker drivers began a nationwide strike over pay and conditions. Shortages have prompted queues at petrol stations across the country, while some have closed.
Portugal has now declared an energy emergency and drivers agreed to supply essential services including hospitals and airports.
Airports in Faro and Lisbon have already been forced to use emergency fuel reserves for departing planes, though the civil requisitions is expected to cover the demand.
Some airlines have also reportedly resorted to diverting to Spain to refuel.
Portugal’s Minister of Economy Pedro Siza Vieira has appealed to citizens not to rush to the pumps to help avoid any further shortages.
Reports in the media in Portugal said that soldiers were on standby ready to drive fuel trucks if necessary.
