Holidaymakers planning to cross the Channel with their cars soon are being urged to fill their fuel tanks before doing so. This is due to strikes by French workers initiating the cut off of fuel supplies to filing stations in northern France.
The AA and the RAC both report that many drivers from Britain tend to wait until they cross into France to fill their tanks, believing it to be cheaper, but many stations are running out of fuel.
Union blockades at refineries are having a severe impact on fuel supplies in Northern France. It has lead the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to issue public advice warning of potential rationing at forecourts.
Advice offered by industry experts
The RAC’s fuel spokesman, Simon Williams, said: “The fuel shortage situation in France caused by industrial action is unfortunately worsening.
“At the end of last week we helped a number of RAC members in France find fuel but this is no longer possible.”
Williams added: “If you are just about to cross to France, then it’s vital you have enough fuel to complete your whole journey otherwise you may well find yourself stranded. Anyone with plans for half term next week needs to keep a close eye on the situation.”
The AA’s international travel spokeswoman, Rosie Sanderson, said its members had been urged to “moderate their driving to get the best fuel economy”.
She added: “The only silver lining might be that there may be less traffic thanks to the dispute, meaning fewer traffic jams.
“The dispute doesn’t mean that all fuel stations will find their supplies exhausted, but I’d suggest that drivers keep topping up their tanks when they can rather than risk running out.”
