French Fuel Consumption Jumps 16% Due to Strikes

French fuel consumption rose exceptionally in the month of May by 16.6 percent to 4.6 million cubic meter compared with the same month the previous year due to rolling nationwide strikes in the oil sector, industry body UFIP said on Thursday.

 

The strikes, called by hardline CGT trade union, led to supply disruptions and temporary refinery shutdowns. News that a large number of petrol stations were running dry prompted panic buying among consumers.

 

"The exceptional increase in premium grade unleaded fuel, up 15 percent, gasoil up 17 percent is explained by the fear of shortages because of the strikes against planned labour reform," UFIP president Francis Duseux, said in a statement.