TESCO'S petrol stations shelves have been running on empty - after a supplier was hit with financial trouble.

Both Greenock and Port Glasgow filling stations had been low on food and other goods for around two weeks as a result of problems at wholesalers Palmer and Harvey.

But contingency plans have now finally been put in place so that staff can start stocking up again.

The supermarket giant says the problem was a result of Palmer and Harvey plunging into administration, reports our sister title, the Greenock Telegraph.

Customers were surprised to find empty fridge units as stocks of chilled drinks ran out along with other produce, including cigarettes.

Tesco spokeswoman said: “We are experiencing availability issues on a few products in a small number of stores.

"This is of a result of Palmer and Harvey being placed in administration.

"Tesco has strong business continuity plans in case of events like this, and our supply chain will be replenishing orders very quickly. Our priority is to continue to meet our customers’ shopping needs.”

Palmer and Hardy, one of the largest private companies in the country, called in accountants last month after hitting trouble.

Tesco is now working with other suppliers to source the products from the Tesco Distribution Network.

They say deliveries are starting to get back to normal.

It is understood that the collapse of Palmer and Harvey will affect other shops and businesses in Inverclyde.

Administrators announced yesterday that they had failed to find a buyer and confirmed there would be job losses as a result.