France’s Fuel Shortage Fears Lessen, Le Havre Port Resumes Oil Product Imports

The number of French filling stations experiencing shortages has fallen this week, while disruptions at the Le Havre port ended and oil product exports partly resumed according to France’s petroleum industry lobby group UFIP.

• One of France’s 200 fuel depots is still blocked by strikes and deliveries are still getting in but at a reduced rate. Depots had enough supply to meet three to four months of demand, depending on the region, as of March 6 when the latest round of labour action started, UFIP said.
• Oil product imports at Le Havre port partly resumed after industrial action at the port on Wednesday.
• Industrial action at France’s Fos and Lavera oil terminals has been extended until further notice. Strikes were scheduled to end on 31 March.
• Around 11% of French service stations are lacking at least one type of fuel as of Thursday evening. This is unchanged from Wednesday and down from 15% on Tuesday, UFIP said.
• Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne is due to meet labour union leaders on 5 April.