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The oil depot of Brest, in western France, in Brittany. Fred TANNEAU / AFP

Construction professionals continue blocking oil depots in western France, particularly in Brittany, resulting in the closure of several service stations.

Construction equipment, excavators, backhoe loaders and skips were parked in front of the depot access points at the end of the week to prevent tankers from accessing them, reports Agence France-Presse.

Several oil depots have been blocked, around Rennes, Brest, Lorient and Le Mans. As fuel was no longer supplied, several petrol stations in the area had to close according to their stocks.

The bosses of small public works companies are demanding the maintenance of the tax-free off-road diesel (GNR) that the government wants to abolish in its 2020 finance bill.

According to the protesters, it is a programmed increase in the price of the fuel in question. " The GNR, a tax niche? No, it's the energy of our work tool , "reads one of the banners.

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From Friday, large lines have formed before the gas pumps, many motorists fearing a shortage.

Saturday night, the blockades continued. Construction professionals will maintain their movement until a scheduled meeting at the Ministry of Economy, Monday at 11am, can read on the website of the daily Le Télégramme .

The appointment was obtained after long hours of negotiations between the prefecture and the professionals of the collective construction of the West. The protesters hoped to be received by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.

The protesters envisage a continuation of their movement until the strike of December 5th and even beyond.