Strikes at TotalEnergies and Exxon Mobil: In France fuel remains scarce

Motorists in France must continue to adjust to fuel supply bottlenecks. Because of the strikes at TotalEnergies and Exxon Mobil, a third of all gas stations cannot offer petrol or diesel.

The queues are getting longer, many tanks remain empty, but the WhatsApp groups are full. Which gas station still has petrol or diesel? Where can you get which fuel and at what price?

Motorists in France need strong nerves and a lot of patience – but even then they are not guaranteed success: “I went on the A13 at midnight, but there was nothing there either,” says one motorist. Another: “I’m already thinking about buying a bike.” Others take it more or less with humor: “I went to at least three gas stations to find diesel – I don’t have anything else to do on Monday mornings.”

Lines of cars block roads

The situation in northern France and in the greater Paris area is particularly dramatic. Up to 55 percent of all gas stations are affected. In the west of Paris, the police had to regulate traffic in some places over the weekend. Because the queues in front of the gas pumps blocked entire streets.

In some towns in northern France, even ambulance companies had no way of getting petrol.

Strike in refineries and tank farms

The reason is a strike in the refineries and tank farms of TotalEnergies and Exxon Mobil. In view of the dizzying profits of the oil companies, the employees are demanding, among other things, a salary increase of 10 percent for the current year.

The situation at TotalEnergies is particularly deadlocked. The group is prepared to bring forward the planned salary negotiations from November to October. However, only under the condition that the strikers resume work immediately. The CGT union, which is leading the strike, rejects this.

Businesses and commuters are stuck

Meanwhile, many companies and commuters are stuck. Fabrice Godefroy, head of the “40 Million Motorists” motorists’ association, warned: “I’m also an entrepreneur, we’re already having problems with our deliveries. That’s tragic. We really have to find solutions. Otherwise it’ll be bad in the coming days.”

The CPME, representing small and medium-sized enterprises, even demands that the prefects make use of their right and, if necessary, confiscate fuel.

President Emmanuel Macron rejects such government measures. Although he expressed understanding for the demands of the strikers, he also warned: “The government has increased the pressure on those involved so that the negotiations can reach a goal quickly. But everyone – the bosses and the unions – must take responsibility themselves. Block is not negotiation.”

Tips about open gas stations

But the situation seems deadlocked. The strike will continue tomorrow, some gas station workers have joined the strikers in the refineries. Meanwhile, tips are circulating on how to get reliable information about gas stations that are open. The government, the TotalEnergies group and some online newspapers have released interactive maps. And with fuel apps such as Gasoil Now, Essence & Co or Fuelflash, the number of users is increasing rapidly.