The AA's 2,700 strong patrol force are not reporting shortages of fuel ahead of the Easter getaway. Similarly, there has been no rise in the number of 'out of fuel' jobs attended during the ongoing conflict - around 1% of 9,000 daily jobs.

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Drivers may encounter isolated incidents of some pumps running dry, but these are short and temporary while they await a delivery. That distinction matters. Short-term, localised outages can create the impression of a bigger problem than actually exists, particularly if exacerbated on social media and when demand rises ahead of a busy travel period.

What we are seeing, however, are drivers caught between a rock and a hard place. This year’s Easter break is set to be one of the busiest in years, with more than 21 million journeys expected on the peak day alone. At the same time, fuel prices remain volatile, meaning many families are feeling the pinch before they’ve even set off.

Preparation will make all the difference.

First, plan ahead. With traffic levels expected to be high across the long weekend, journeys will take longer – especially on major routes and roads to popular destinations. A large proportion of drivers are still undecided on their plans, meaning congestion could shift quickly depending on weather and last-minute trips. Checking routes, avoiding peak times and allowing extra time will all help reduce stress.

Second, focus on fuel efficiency. With prices elevated, small changes in driving style can make a noticeable difference. Keeping a steady speed, avoiding harsh acceleration, checking tyre pressures, and removing unnecessary weight from the car can all help stretch a tank further. Planning your route carefully will also reduce the risk of getting stuck in fuel-draining stop-start traffic.

It’s also worth thinking about when you fill up. If a station is temporarily out of fuel, there will be alternatives nearby and supply will return. Topping up ahead of your journey, rather than leaving it until the last minute, is the best way to avoid inconvenience. Similarly, members using The AA App have seen forecourts in very close proximity to each other show different prices, in some cases as much as 13p a litre difference.

Vehicle preparation is just as important. With millions of cars on the road, breakdowns are inevitable. That’s why drivers should remember FLOWER – Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics and Rubber – the key checks before setting off. Taking a few minutes to run through these basics can help prevent avoidable disruption.

This Easter will bring busy roads, higher costs and some delays, particularly if good weather encourages more people to travel. It’s a challenge that can be easily managed.

The message is simple: plan ahead, drive efficiently and make sure your vehicle is ready. Do that, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of a smooth Easter getaway.

Jack Cousens is the head of AA's roads policy.

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