UNION members at Coryton oil refinery are said to be “fully behind” planned strikes by fuel tanker drivers.

Around 69 per cent of drivers at five major distribution companies across the UK backed strike action in a dispute with oil companies over safety standards and terms and conditions.

The Unite members, around 2,700 drivers, transport fuel to 90 per cent of the country’s petrol forecourts.

The action could force about 7,900 garages to close.

This could have implications for Coryton refinery, in Stanford-le-Hope, which supplies around 20 per cent of fuel in London and the South East, and is trying to attract a new buyer after being placed in administration.

Unite’s Russ Ball, who represents union members at the refinery, confirmed workers’ support.

He said: “At this moment I can’t say how it will affect Coryton.

“I don’t think it will affect the refinery that badly, but we will have to reassess the situation and take a look at it if that happens.

“Workers are aware of the ballot and our members are fully behind their brothers and sisters.”

Euro MEP Richard Howitt said he is confident news of the strike hadn’t soured any talks with potential buyers for the refinery.

He added: “I am watching this situation carefully, it is a dispute affecting the whole country and it’s not specific to Coryton.

“Coryton is trading commercially at the moment and that’s something which we all welcome.

“Hopefully a decision will be taken to resolve this dispute soon.”

The vote for industrial action comes on the back of the Unite’s Enough is Enough campaign, which features a film where drivers talk about a lowering of safety standards in an increasingly competitive industry, forcing them to cut corners and be on the road for longer to beat the clock.

Strike dates are not expected to be announced for a few days.