If you are planning on driving across the channel to spend some time in France this coming bank holiday and beyond, then make sure you fill your tank up before you get there.

France is in the middle of a fuel crisis, with many stations having run dry with even more low on supplies. The shortages have come about due to a strike over new labour laws which has spread out over France’s eight oil refineries. Trouble first broke out at Fos-sur-Mer in Marseille, when police broke up a blockade at a refinery on Tuesday morning.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said that any more blockades would be disbanded and the labour laws would stand. He went on to tell French radio, “That's enough. It's unbearable to see this sort of thing. The CGT (labour union) will come up against an extremely firm response from the government. We'll carry on clearing sites blocked by this organisation."

The problems have warranted a response from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office warning of the restrictions in place and of possible fuel rationing.

The May bank holiday will see the usual rise in traffic making the journey across the channel, but the school holidays directly after will increase the number of cars even further. To ensure that you don’t get stranded as you come out of the port, make certain to fill your tank before you make it on to the ferry in the UK. But also be aware that even if you do come across a station that has fuel, there are likely to be restrictions in place. Certain ferry operators such as P&O Ferries have permitted each vehicle up to 5 litres of extra fuel as long as it is kept in a permitted container.

Extra consideration is being paid by French officials and football fans alike as the start of Euro 2016 is fast approaching. With so much invested in the tournament, a predicament like this could be disastrous for everyone involved. And comments such as those from a former union leader who has said the tournament is not “sacred” will not appease those with tickets either.

If you are planning a trip this bank holiday or for the Euros, then why not take some peace of mind with you with a Breakdown Cover policy from startrescue.co.uk.