British tourists are being warned of fuel shortages causing significant problems throughout France.

Newly updated travel guidance from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warns, “Due to strike action, there are currently shortages of petrol and diesel at some fuel stations in mainland France.

“Some fuel station operators are limiting how much you can buy. The French Government is advising motorists to avoid filling up where possible. There may be queues at fuel stations.”

According to the AA, more than 3,000 petrol stations had run out of certain types of fuel at the beginning of the week.

Strikes at French refineries have affected supply and caused fuel pumps to run dry, with long queues at petrol stations, The Mirror reports.

Anyone heading to France by car is advised to fill up their tanks before leaving the UK.