Residents caught in queues expressed their frustration as drivers rushed to the pumps.

Nicky Bates from Weymouth said: “I didn’t know anything about it until this morning – I just think it’s crazy.

“The unions are meant to give seven days notice anyway.”

Ryan Johnston, 22, said he was in Weymouth visiting friends and family. He said if the strikes went ahead it might be difficult to get home.

He said: “I’m living in London. If I can’t fill up I can’t get home to work.”

He added he currently had nearly a full tank of fuel so hoped he would be able to get back.

Chantelle Lane, 21, from Chickerell said: “I’m hoping they sort it out soon, otherwise it will cause problems.”

Julie Allbutt and Laura Allbutt were in a queue for Esso at Lanehouse Rocks Road. Mrs Allbutt said: “I’ve been driving on fumes for 40 miles, because everywhere there are queues.

“But now I’m queuing up and not going home until I get some fuel.”

She added: “It’s scaremongering.”

Weymouth resident June Honeybun said: “I didn’t know all of this was going on. I didn’t know it was this bad.”

Portlander’s Polly Goldsmith and Shaun Barnes had driven to Weymouth to fill up some more.

Mr Barnes said: “We filled up £10 on Portland and we came here to get another lot.”

Mrs Goldsmith said: “It always happens, people panic buy then they will be off strike next week.”