Forecourts supplied by the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland are being advised to take precautions to try to maintain supplies in case the current industrial unrest at the site escalates into strike action.

PRA chairman Brian Madderson, said: “We are working closely with Government and there is a risk of a fuel strike. However a major industry exercise is going on to put alternative supply plans in place.

“Forecourts that normally receive supplies from Grangemouth refinery are being urged to raise stock levels to at least 5-10% above normal levels and to prepare to stock up to maximum if a strike is declared.”

Workers at the Ineos site at Grangemouth have started an overtime ban and work to rule in a dispute concerning the treatment of a union official.

They have voted heavily in favour of action up to and including a strike - and officials of the Unite union said they had not ruled out calling for a walkout.

Unite called for a summit with the company and politicians, and urged the Scottish government to hold an emergency debate to help prevent the dispute escalating.