Four refineries offline in France, 20% petrol stations short on fuel

LONDON (ICIS)–Four out of eight refineries in France are offline and 20% of petrol stations in the country are short on fuel, the nation’s oil industry body said in a statement on Tuesday.

“After a difficult week, the mobilisation of all stakeholders and coordination with the government allowed a significant improvement,” said Francis Duseux, president of the Union Francaise des Industries Petrolieres (UFIP).

“There is no shortage nationally, although tense situations may still exist in places. It is estimated that 20% of service stations are experiencing partial or total disruption of supply,” he added.

At present, the operations of four refineries are stopped, the production of two refineries reduced, while the remaining two refineries are continuing to operate normally, UFIP said on Tuesday.

“For their part, operators have significantly enhanced truck fleet deliveries. Some have mobilised about three times more trucks compared to normal and increases the number of rotations,” UFIP said.

France refinery strike status

Source: UFIP

Pictured: A sign reading fuel shortage at a petrol station in Bourgoin-Jallieu, France.
Photo credit: Rex/Shutterstock