France: Fuels shortages to persist as industrial action continues at multiple refineries as of Oct. 14 /update 1

Event

Fuel shortages will likely persist nationwide in the coming days after striking workers at five TotalEnergies oil refineries refused to sign a new wage offer. Striking workers at the Gravenchon-Port-Jerome refinery owned by Esso-ExxonMobil returned to work early Oct. 14.

Around 30 percent of fuel stations continue to face shortages of at least one type of fuel as of Oct. 14. Fuel stations in Paris, the wider Ile-de-France Region, and the Hauts-de-France Region are generally more severely affected. Shortages will likely ease slightly over the coming days despite ongoing strike action after the government ordered skeleton crews back to work at two fuel depots.

Long queues have formed outside many stations, especially those in urban centers and in the vicinity of France's land border with Belgium. Tense exchanges, scuffles, and fights have reportedly taken place between customers in several locations; further low-level violence is possible at fuel stations. In some regions, authorities have banned the sale of fuel in jerry cans from fuel station forecourts. Temporary fuel shortages could persist at many stations in the coming days, particularly in urban centers; associated queues could prompt congestion on nearby roads.

Advice

Prepare for some disruptions at fuel stations. Consider refueling vehicles regularly. Plan accordingly for prolonged fuel shortages. Arrange alternative fuel supplies and transport if necessary. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.