BRITS planning on travelling to France by car have been urged to fill up with petrol before crossing the channel because of strikes.
An estimated 25 per cent of petrol stations have run out of fuel due to industrial action from workers at French oil refineries.
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It is estimated that the strikes have reduced France’s refinery output by as much as 60 per cent, which has caused demand for fuel to increase.
The strikes have resulted in huge queues at service stations with many running out.
Elsewhere, police have been filmed checking how much petrol people have when arriving at petrol stations, before being turned away if they have too much.
Some services are only permitting those with “priority occupations” to fill up, as supplies continue to dwindle.
The AA has advised British drivers heading to France to fill up before they arrive.
They have also recommended using “eco-driving techniques”, including moderating speed and giving cars in front more room to reduce the need for braking and accelerating.
The walkouts are being held at refineries run by oil giants like TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil and have been staged because of a dispute over wages.
TotalEnergies has recorded huge profits recently as energy prices rose and the company handed dividends to investors and shareholders.
Workers are asking for a 10 per cent pay rise from their bosses.
The energy company has urged its workers to return to the refineries to end the situation.
A spokesperson said: “TotalEnergies calls on everyone to act responsibly so that the company can supply the French people in the best possible conditions.”
The disputes have had a knock-on effect on petrol prices in the UK.
However, the AA hope that cost increases can be minimised.
Luke Bosdet, the AA’s fuel price spokesman said: “In this country, it is hoped that the fuel trade’s lag in passing on previous cost reductions to customers, supermarkets taking longer to pass on price increases than fuel company sites and, hopefully, a resolution of the French strikes will soon ease the pressure on UK road fuel costs.”
This little-known driving law has seen holidaymakers picking up fines while abroad.
The price of hiring cars abroad has also increased this year.
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