DRIVERS heading across the Channel have been urged to fill their tanks before leaving the UK as blockades at fuel depots in France saw some forecourts run dry.
Some French local authorities are rationing how much petrol or diesel any one motorist can buy in a bid to offset shortages caused by striking refinery staff.
AA president Edmund King said their European breakdown service had been fielding calls from UK members who had run out of fuel after 1,600 petrol stations shut.
READ MORE: Support for UK to remain in EU growing in Scotland, poll finds
He said: "We are recovering vehicles stuck at the side of the road to places of safety until fuel supplies are resumed.
“We are strongly advising our members heading to France to fill up their tanks before crossing the Channel and moderate their driving to get the best miles per gallon from their fuel.”
READ MORE: Support for UK to remain in EU growing in Scotland, poll finds
RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams added: “The fuel shortage situation in France caused by industrial action is unfortunately worsening. Initially the problems were focussed on northern France from Brittany to Calais, but we are now getting reports from central, western and southern regions of the country too.
READ MORE: Support for UK to remain in EU growing in Scotland, poll finds
“Anyone currently in France is going to struggle to find fuel for their return journey and probably shouldn’t even attempt to get home unless they can do so on one tank."
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