Weekend fuel shortages hit gas stations in France

PARIS

Fuel shortages hit numerous gas stations in France this weekend.

In Paris, from Saturday to Sunday, nearly all gas stations had run out of gas.

The fuel shortages were triggered by strikes at several French refineries and a promotion by market leader TotalEnergies, which offered a discount of 20 cents per liter in addition to the government discount of 30 cents per liter. The discount led to a large run, according to the company.

According to media reports, up to 20% of gas stations in France are affected by gasoline or diesel shortages.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said Sunday during a state visit to Algeria that the shortages would ease "during the week."

Jean-Marc Durand, head of TotalEnergies' refinery Europe, told news channel BFMTV: "If workers end the strikes, it will take a big week to get back to a normal rhythm."

French Minister of Environment Christophe Bechu urged the French to "keep calm" and "show responsibility."

In an interview with FranceInfo news channel, Bechu said: "The situation should continue to improve."

He added that no nationwide restrictions are currently planned.