A TAXI service in Worcester has warned customers of driver shortages during Ramadan.

Woober taxis, based in The Cross near Foregate Street in Worcester, announced it would be short of drivers between the hours of 5.30pm and 8pm over the next four weeks.

This is to allow their drivers, who have been fasting all day for Ramadan, to eat and drink.

A Woober spokesperson said: “Please be advised that during the holy month of Ramadan, between the hours of 5.30pm and 8pm for the next four weeks, our taxi services may experience limited availability due to our drivers observing the sacred tradition of Iftar.

"We kindly ask for your understanding during this time as our dedicated drivers will be heading home to break their fast after a day of fasting.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your continued support and cooperation."

Ramadan began on Tuesday, March 12. Muslims do not eat or drink during hours of daylight. 

Fasting during Ramadan is a requirement for all Muslims from a young age, in some cases beginning as early as 10.

A spokesperson for Blue Star Taxis said: "This concerns most of the drivers. All firms in Worcester will be following this.

"Most taxi drivers in Worcester are Muslim, so during this time it would be very difficult to get a taxi. 

"It will be the same across the board and other companies.

"Generally this time of the year, drivers are already operating on low energy because of fasting and they make time to pray more."

A spokesperson for Cathedral Cars said: "There will only be a few cars working during this time.

"We will have private drivers in place who will replace our regular drivers during those times up until the end of Ramadan in April."

Harris Saleem, who is involved with the Worcester Taxi Association and Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, was surprised to hear taxi firms would be short of drivers.

"It's the first week of Ramadan, it's obviously something that's very religious, but it doesn't stop you working," he said.

"They fast all day long from dawn until dusk but we all still work during Ramadan - it's something very different.

"People are independent so it's up to them but I have never heard of that."

The date for Ramadan changes every year as the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, known as the lunar cycle. 

It starts when the moon can be seen in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. 

Ramadan will last 30 days ending after which Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated.