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TotalEnergies Workers Strike Over Fuel Prices Creates Weeks-Long Crisis

Workers at TotalEnergies have been on strike for three weeks at four refineries and fuel depots in France, cutting off petrol supplies across the country. The French government has ordered fuel depot staff back to work to try to restore supplies.

April 17, 20264 sourcesDeveloping2 min read

Workers at French energy giant TotalEnergies have been striking for three weeks at four refineries and one fuel depot, creating widespread petrol shortages across France. The strikes are part of a dispute over fuel prices and working conditions.

The CGT union, which represents the striking workers, has rejected talks with TotalEnergies and vowed to continue the strikes. All four refineries and the depot remained shut down as of Friday, according to union representatives.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Monday that "the time for talking is over" as the government took stronger action. Officials have ordered fuel depot staff back to work to try to restore petrol supplies that have been disrupted for weeks.

TotalEnergies has offered fresh talks with unions to break the deadlock, but the CGT union has refused to participate. The strikes have sapped the country's petrol supplies and created long lines at gas stations that remain open.

Why this matters

The strikes have created fuel shortages that affect everyday drivers trying to fill up their cars. This shows how worker disputes at major energy companies can quickly disrupt daily life for millions of people.

What to watch

Watch for whether the government's orders force workers back or if strikes continue despite official pressure.

Sources
energy-sectorlabor-strikesfrance
This story was written with AI based on reporting from the sources above. For the complete story, visit the original sources.

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