Emergency services are at the scene and Essex Fire and Rescue Service has warned motorists to avoid the area if possible as traffic is expected to be affected for “some time”.
Witnesses report they can see the huge plumes of smoke from as far away as Southend Pier.
The latest traffic map from the AA shows there are long queues forming on both the A130 and A13.
Delays on the A130 is also understood to be affecting parts of the A127.
There is congestion on the A13 eastbound as far back as the Five Bells interchange.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service has warned traffic may be affected for “some time”.
In a statement on Facebook, a spokesman said: “We’re on the scene of a vehicle fire involving a fuel tanker on Canvey Way / Saddlers Farm.
The road is closed as a precaution while our crews work to extinguish the fire.
“We anticipate traffic will be affected for some time; please find an alternative route if possible.”
