Petrol shortage at French forecourts hits holiday travel

Sports events and school holidays hit as strikes hit French refineries.

Travel Insurance News - 25/10/2010

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School holidays and sports events are suffering disruption as a quarter of French petrol stations run low on fuel supplies. The country’s popular resorts will probably be hit hardest. French oil refineries have been disrupted by strikes mounted in opposition to changes in France’s retirement rules.

According to a senior government advisor, the regions suffering the worst disruption from fuel shortages include those in the country’s central and north-west areas, such as Auvergne, Brittany and Loire-Atlantique. Not only do the fuel shortages arrive at the beginning of a 12-day long school holiday period but a number of football matches in the north of France have been postponed.

On Friday, the pension reforms championed by President Sarkozy succeeded in passing through the country’s Senate. However, refinery workers and others continue to mount public protests. In particular, the strain on fuel supplies is hitting both the business sector and the daily lives of ordinary people. The pension legislation will force people to work another two years before they can receive their pensions.

At two refineries, workers voted to continue industrial action next week. Workers at France’s other fuel plants meet over coming days to decide what they will do. Strikes by railway staff also continue though at least 50 per cent of services are likely to keep running.

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