77% of people surveyed for the ITV News Index has said the Government is responsible for causing unnecessary panic over the threatened strike by fuel tanker drivers.
Talks aimed at averting a strike will be held on Wednesday.
The AA has warned of "stupid and very dangerous" actions being taken by panicked drivers.
In a statement, the motoring organisation said that in Macclesfield, Cheshire, one observer had seen an elderly woman using a petrol pump to fill jam jars.
"A lady about 75 was seen filling up 20 empty one-gallon paint tins with plastic lids and also a tray of jam jars in her boot with petrol. She had her boot up so the petrol station staff couldn't see what she was doing.
"AA staff went over to her to stop her. Then station staff came out and prevented her from what she was doing."
The conciliatory service Acas has announced that talks aimed at resolving the fuel tanker drivers' dispute will be held on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister's spokesman's notes 'don't make sense' - does the Government's advice?
Preparations are due to start today for talks to resolve the fuel tanker drivers' dispute which lead to panic petrol buying across the UK.