Industrial action at France’s oil refineries has resulted in a fuel shortage with a number of petrol stations having either run dry or low on supplies. According to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), in certain areas you may not be able to fill up jerry cans, and fuel rationing may be imposed. Some petrol stations may have run out of some types of fuel.
This is creating ongoing disruption, which may impact holidaymakers travelling to, from and around France. Travellers who are about to drive to France for the bank holiday weekend or half term week are strongly advised to fill up their cars before crossing the Channel, and people already in France are advised to drive moderately in order to get more gallons to the mile. Drivers can also use the Mon-essence.fr website which has produced a map to help motorists identify petrol stations where fuel is not available.
In addition, port workers in Marseille, Cherbourg, Le Havre and St Malo are also taking industrial action, resulting in disruption to some ferry services. People booked to travel by ferry to France imminently should check the latest situation with their ferry company.
There is currently no indication of how long these strikes will last, but we are monitoring the situation carefully and will update our advice accordingly.
