TRADERS are reporting shortages of 100watt light bulbs as customers race to bag the last before the law bans them - including a woman who stockpiled 200 in one fell-swoop.

TRADERS are reporting shortages of 100watt light bulbs as customers race to bag the last before the law bans them - including a woman who stockpiled 200 in one fell-swoop.

It is hoped the switch to florescent eco-friendly bulbs announced in 2007 will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by around five million tonnes-a-year.

At Hudgies Hardware in Clare, near Sudbury, shop manager David Sleath said: “People have been buying them in some numbers including one lady who bought 200.

“She likes the bulbs for her hallway. She has tried the fluorescent kind but she doesn't like the light. They will be made until September and then after that they will become scarce.”

Melvin Robinson, owner of Richardson's Hardware, Garrick Way, Ipswich, said he had just put in an order for 200 more 100 watt light bulbs because demand had been so high and he had sold out completely.

He said: “However, the situation is still a little confusing. There's no question that the old style incandescent bulbs are going - we just don't know if they're disappearing completely because they might be made in a new size. We just have to wait and see.”

By 2010, 60watt bulbs will start to be phased out and all incandescent bulbs will be banned by 2012.