Oxford Mail readers have been giving their views whether key workers should be given priority in the fuel shortage crisis.

We asked on the newspaper’s Facebook page ‘Do you think key workers should be given priority for fuel?’ and reader responded.

Some readers said certain key workers should be given priority to access the petrol pumps.

Government sources have said designating certain petrol stations for key workers is being kept as a back-up option if panic buying does not stop.

Read again: Fuel shortages place strain on food deliveries and taxi drivers

Nurses, care workers, teachers, ambulance staff and police are among those who have been left stranded in recent days as pumps across the country run dry.

NATASHA CAMERON: “Everyone’s a key worker. Just cap the fuel. Maybe prioritise a time that ambulances etc can get fuel.”

HYIDI BLITHING: “Ambulance, fire and police I agree.”

MARTYN WEBB: “What do you define as a key worker?”

SARAH WILLIAMS: “I think all these people buying fuel when they don’t need it and storing it in a manner of which is not safe need to be banned

“Check someone’s fuel gauge; if you have 1/4 of a tank you are fine and no filling up plastic bottles.”

HELEN ROBINSON: “Yes but what is a key worker these days? Everyone appears to be a key worker from paramedic to workers in a coffee factory.”

STEPHANIE WILTSHIRE: “I literally never want to hear the term “key worker” ever again.”

MARTIN PRITCHARD: “No. I would be deemed a key worker however I shouldn’t take priority over anyone else.

“Most people are now returning to the workplace and will also need fuel to get there to support their families. If it was back in lockdown and the majority of us were on a jolly then absolutely but we’re not.”

LUCY DAWKINS: “Martin Pritchard well said.”

GEMMA GALLOWAY: “Martin Pritchard I couldn’t agree more - everyone that is at work is a key worker - they have to support themselves their families and or elderly parents, the media and government have messed up again.”

MARTYN WHETREN: “Define a key worker.”

ADAM HEPPELL: “No because then I’d have to go to work.”

SIMON GANNON: “Define a key worker; someone who keeps their family, economy, business afloat, medical, construction, transport, waste,food; most workers are key if they provide a service. A really bad question as if you work and need fuel to get to work, you need fuel.”

HAYLIE BURKE: “Yes.”

Read more: Fuel crisis: warning to drivers about using wrong fuel

MATT THOMAS: “No, people should stop being complete idiots and then there wouldn’t be a problem. The media lit the spark and just loves fanning the flames!”

DARREN FOLEY: “I think the government should spend a few million on petrol passports for those who need fuel.

“That way people who don’t need fuel could be turned away from the petrol station with a stern telling off.”

TJ FRANKUM: “Key workers - maybe emergency staff and carers definitely.”

CHRIS RAGGATT: “Do you mean locksmiths?”

GILL BURRAGE: “How do you classify a key worker? Electrical Linesman, RNLI Crew, Vet, Funeral Mortician, Coast Guard.... just to add a few to the ever-growing list.”

ZORAN VJSTICA: “Currently there is no lockdown and no restrictions regarding Covid.

“We’re all in the same boat, myself and many people have to go to work to feed their family and for that I need diesel.

“Maybe if the Government told the truth about things and stopped making the general public believe it’s something they can’t control we would all prepare a bit better.”

CLARE HATHAWAY-BIRD: “What about disabled people and families of disabled children where walking isn’t an option because they can’t.”

PAT CROSS: “Yes, police, fire, ambulance, nursing, doctors, care workers, teachers, bus and taxi drivers.

SARAH BIGGS: “No, but they shouldn’t be limited on fuel amounts like everyone else.”

LES OWENS: “Yes.”

MICHELLE TURNBULL: “Yes.”

MELANIE CARTMELL: “Emergency service vehicles yes . but everyone else who needs fuel to get to work is in same boat .

MARTIN SMITH: “Care workers as they need to get out to their clients.”