Essex Police said it is aware of social media posts suggesting demonstrations could take place at the key Thurrock-Kent route and has reassured residents it is ready to respond to any disruption.
According to widely shared posts online, the Great British Fuel Protest is expected to begin this afternoon and could continue through Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17.
The posts also reference a number of other major roads and routes across the UK where similar action could take place, including the M6, M5 and Port of Felixstowe.
The planned demonstrations follow protests in Ireland last week, led largely by hauliers, farmers and agricultural workers.
Those actions involved slow-moving convoys and road blockages on major motorways, disrupting fuel distribution and leading to an increased police response and several arrests.
Protesters are calling on the Government to take urgent action to reduce fuel costs, which they say have reached unsustainable levels and risk forcing businesses to close.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We are aware of posts on social media relating to potential protest activity and we have plans in place to deal with any disruption on our roads.
“Our priority is to keep Essex moving and we will deal robustly with anyone who puts the safety of other road users at risk.”
