Motorists heading off to France are being urged to make sure they fill up their tanks before they cross the channel.

France is being hit by serious disruption as unions lead strike action at oil refineries, nuclear power stations, ports and transport hubs.

Motorways, bridges and tunnels have been blockaded and flights and rail services affected.

Fuel is in short supply. 

Posting on their website, Condor Ferries said: "Due to an escalating dispute over French labour law changes, fuel supplies are being disrupted across the country.

"This is leading to some petrol stations running out, particularly in the Normandy and Brittany regions."

Condor is telling motorists where they can fill up their cars near the Port of Poole before using the ferry. 

The stations are: 

1. North of Port - Esso, 347 Wimborne Rd, Poole BH15 3ED

2. West of Port - Hamworthy Service Station, 490 Blandford Rd, Poole BH16 5BN

3. Closest to Port - BP , Longfleet Rd, Poole BH15 2HP

4. From Bournemouth – Shell, Parkstone, 113-115 Bournemouth Rd, Poole, GB BH14 9HR

Passengers travelling from Poole to St Malo are unable to travel with a petrol/jerry can on any of Condor's ships.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office said: "Following industrial action (blockades of fuel depots) fuel purchasing restrictions have been put in place by local authorities in some parts of northern and northwest France.  

"In certain areas you may not be able to fill up jerry can, and fuel rationing may be imposed."

The AA has issued the following advice to help motorists drive more efficiently:

Before you go

• Lose weight: extra weight means extra fuel so if there's anything in the boot you don't need on the journey take it out

• Streamline: roof-racks and boxes add wind resistance and so increase fuel consumption. If you don't need it take it off – if you do, pack carefully to reduce drag

• Leave promptly: don't start the engine until you're ready to go as idling wastes fuel and the engine warms up more quickly when you're moving

• Don't get lost: plan unfamiliar journeys to reduce the risk of getting lost and check the traffic news before you leave

• Combine short trips: cold starts use more fuel so it pays to combine errands such as buying the paper, dropping off the recycling, or collecting the kids

• Consider alternatives: if it's a short journey (a couple of miles or so) could you walk or cycle rather than taking the car? 

En route

• Easy does it: drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking

• Decelerate smoothly: when you have to slow down or to stop, decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear

• Rolling: if you can keep the car moving all the time, so much the better; stopping then starting again uses more fuel than rolling

• Change up earlier: don't labour the engine but try changing up at an engine speed of around 2,000 rpm in a diesel car or around 2,500 rpm in a petrol car. This can make such a difference that all cars in the future are likely to be fitted with a 'Gear Shift indicator' light to show the most efficient gear change points.

• Cut down on the air-con: air-conditioning increases fuel consumption at low speeds, but at higher speeds the effects are less noticeable. So if it's a hot day open the windows around town and save the air conditioning for high speed driving. Don't leave air-con on all the time but aim to run it at least once a week throughout the year to maintain the system in good condition.

• Turn it off: electrical loads increase fuel consumption, so turn off your heated rear windscreen, demister blowers and headlights, when you don't need them

• Stick to speed limits: the faster you go the greater the fuel consumption and pollution. Driving at 70mph uses up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more than at 50mph. Cruising at 80mph can use up to 25% more fuel than at 70mph.