Portugal fuel strike – potential walkout threatens huge travel disruption for Brits visiting in peak summer period

BRITS heading to Portugal this summer could be facing huge travel disruption because of a potential strike by fuel tanker drivers.

If the strike goes ahead, it could mean flights are cancelled or diverted due to a shortage of fuel.

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A strike by truck drivers in April this year left several Portuguese airports short of fuel, including Faro, one of the biggest tourist hubs in the country.

It was the worst industrial action faced by the Socialist government in its four-year administration.

The fuel shortage meant that several flights with airlines including easyJet and Ryanair were diverted or cancelled altogether.

Now, Portuguese fuel tanker drivers are threatening a new strike over better wages and working conditions, which would start from August 12.

STRUCK OUT Latest on UK airport and airline strikes that could cause travel chaos this August

The Portuguese government has promised to step in but the FCO warned: "Portuguese fuel tanker drivers are threatening strike action from 12 August for an unspecified period.

"If you’re travelling to Portugal over the coming weeks, be aware that the strike may cause disruption to travel and other non-essential services."

Portugal's Labour and Social Security Minister Jose Antonio Vieira da Silva 100 per cent supplies would be ensured to ports, hospitals, airports, military bases, fire stations, the civil protection agency and some 320 public petrol stations.

Environment Minister Joao Pedro Matos Fernandos said the announcement amounted to a "pre-emptive" declaration of an energy emergency, which would allow the government to take special measures such as mobilising the army to ensure fuel supplies.

The strike may still be averted through talks.

The four-day strike in April, in the middle of Easter week, caused low supplies at more than 2,000 fuel stations that panicked motorists.

Concerns are higher now as the strike could threaten airports and other infrastructure as millions of tourists arrive for summer holidays.

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Brits travelling to Portugal could also be affected by a Ryanair cabin crew strike.

The dates for the strike are 00:00 August 21 until 23:29 August 25.

There's also a separate strike by Ryanair's UK pilots that's set to take place later this month and in September.