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.
Have an upcoming vacation in mind? See how close you are to paying for it with points with the free TPG App!
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.