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Strikes, Fuel Shortage Continue in France

Travelers who made it through last week’s strikes in France can’t let their guards down, even if it does appear disruptions are lessening.  While fewer transportation employees have been walking off the job each day, the major unions have called for another round of strikes beginning Oct. 19.

And if that’s not enough, travelers must face a looming fuel crisis in the country, with all of France’s 12 refineries hit by strikes.  Several hundred gas stations have reportedly closed, and the fuel pipelines to Paris’ two main airports, Charles de Gaulle and Orly, were shut off Oct. 15.  Orly is said to have enough fuel to last more than two weeks, while Charles de Gaulle could be out of gas within three days.

The BBC quoted an airport spokesman as saying he was "not at all worried about stocks (of fuel.)” He may be the only one not worried—French fuel distributors are reportedly urging the government to release emergency supplies, as they predict the nation will run out of fuel within ten days.

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