Heading to France? It's running out of gas
Americans heading to France this week are being urged to think twice before renting a car … because the country is running out of gas.
For the past two weeks, French trade union General Confederation of Labour has been locked in a bitter standoff with fuel giants TotalEnergies and Esso-ExxonMobil in a dispute over pay for its members.
Dozens of workers at several oil refineries owned by the multinationals walked out, blockaded several refineries and stymied gasoline supplies; as a result, more than a quarter of gas stations are now out of at least one type of fuel and 19% are completely dry.
The deadlock has grown so tense that the French government stepped in Wednesday, enacting emergency powers in a bid to order workers back to their jobs.
The government said that the recall of essential fuel workers at the blockaded Port Jerome refinery at Notre-Dame-de-Gravenchon, in Normandy, would begin Wednesday. However, the move risks making the crisis worse, amid fears it could inspire other sectors to join the strike in solidarity with the striking fuel workers.
As of midday, out of more than 11,100 gas stations in France, 2,093 were completely out of fuel and 1,101 had run out of one type of fuel, the British Automobile Association reported Wednesday afternoon.
Long lines are reportedly snaking around gas pumps up and down the country as frustrated motorists try to fill up before the nation's fuel network runs out.
Visitors planning to drive in France in the next few days were warned to fill up before they cross into the country (if possible). They are also advised to use eco-driving techniques such as moderating their speed and pumping their tires (more below).
When could the strikes end?
When the strike will end depends on how quickly the General Confederation of Labour and TotalEnergies and Esso-ExxonMobil can return to the table and thrash out a deal.
Workers at TotalEnergies and Esso-ExxonMobil refineries and fuel depots walked out in a dispute over pay two weeks ago. They have set up blockades at several refineries, forcing more than 60% of France's refining capacity — or 740,000 barrels per day — offline.
Union chiefs are demanding wage increases to help workers cope with rocketing inflation as Europe grapples with one of its worst cost-of-living crises in decades.
Related: Here's how to travel to France right now and what it's like once you arrive
There had been hopes the dispute would die down Sunday as TotalEnergies, among the world's biggest energy multinationals, agreed to bring salary talks forward in return for workers resuming service. The union, however, declined, accusing management of "blackmail."
In a bid to prevent a run on the nation's pumps, the French government has assured drivers that it is doing everything it can to reach a deal with fuel unions. Speaking during a visit to Mayenne in western France, President Emmanuel Macron said: "Negotiations are underway and on track ... I hope that in the coming hours, the soonest, this can be resolved. Blocking is not a way to negotiate."
Then, in a surprise move, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced a decision to requisition workers operating gas depots of ExxonMobil’s French branch Esso and threatened to do the same for those of the TotalEnergies group if an agreement is not reached quickly. She did not give a time frame for that demand.
“A salary disagreement does not justify blocking the country,” she said, adding: "I asked prefects to launch the procedure to requisition workers who are indispensable to the functioning [of the Esso fuel depots]."
The union responded by calling the plans "violent" and suspending all ongoing negotiations with the government and employers.
In response, TotalEnergies has said it would offer to hold first talks with unions who are not involved in the strikes. The General Confederation of Labour union will only be "welcome" to the table if it ends the walkouts, it added. The union called this "blackmail."
How can I save fuel while driving in France?
The United Kingdom's Automobile Association offers several essential techniques to save fuel while driving. They include:
- Drive in high gear, while keeping to the speed limit.
- Avoid using air conditioning or heating.
- Make sure tires are pumped to the recommended pressure.
- Use cruise control (if your car has it) whenever possible.
- Lighten the car's load.
- Leave more room between you and the vehicle in front to reduce braking and accelerating.
Such techniques can easily save the equivalent of 38 cents a gallon, according to the AA.
The organization also reminded drivers that a full tank will, on average, last about 350 miles.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.