Warning for Brit holidaymakers in France as drivers are left stranded by a massive petrol strike that has led to fighting on the forecourts
Riot police were called to depots across the country and set off tear gas to quell fighting
TOURISTS have been left stranded in the heart of France as a fuel strike has drained the petrol pumps dry.
Sightseer’s anger has turned to violence in some parts of the Loire Valley as fighting broke out in service stations.
Motorways ground to a halt as vehicles ran out of fuel, spelling chaos and disruption for drivers across the country.
Expat James Kent said: “Here in Saumur [a town in the Loire Valley], many tourists are stranded since all the fuel pumps are empty.
“I met an English couple yesterday who would like to return to the UK, however, they are unable to since there is no fuel and they are also limited in financial resources.
“A French friend from Le Mans reported to me that two days ago people were fighting at the fuel pumps with the regulator who was appointed to limit each purchase to 20 litres per person.”
Riot police were called to depots and service stations, where they fired tear gas and used water cannons to break up the violence.
Dozens have been arrested.
Six of France’s eight oil refineries are on strike to protest new Labour laws being pushed through by the socialist government.
1,600 petrol stations have shut across France.
The worst affected areas are to the north of the country, in Normandy, Brittany and Paris.
The industrial action has caused mayhem for British travellers trying to drive around France.
It is believed that this problem will only get worse as Brits descend on the country for the bank holiday weekend.
AA president Edmund King said: “AA breakdown services in Europe have been taking calls from UK drivers this morning who have run out of fuel.
“We are recovering vehicles stuck at the side of the road to places of safety until fuel supplies are resumed.
“We are strongly advising our members heading to France to fill up their tanks before crossing the Channel and moderate their driving to get the best miles per gallon from their fuel. The only silver lining might be less traffic that will allow a car to travel further, typically 300 miles on one tank of fuel.”
The new labour legislation will make it easier for French employees to be hired an fired.
The bill was passed in parliament on 10 May.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls said: “We are determined that there will be no shortages in France.
“We will continue to clear a number of sites, including the depots.”
But the main trade union, CGT remain steadfast in their opposition to the legislation.
CGT spokesman Maxime Picard said: “Our goal is the withdrawal of the Labour Law.”
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