Pension reform: in Marseille, motorists face the strike of oil depots

Stephane Burgatt 14:14pm, March 21, 2023

The oil depot strike is beginning to have serious repercussions. In the Bouches-du-Rhône, one in two petrol stations lacks at least one fuel.

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Long queues

In Marseille, it is the rush of motorists at the pump. For the people of Marseille, it's a real treasure hunt guided by apps on their smartphone. They multiply, sometimes in vain, petrol stations. Olivier, real estate agent, is relieved to be able to get a little bit: "Yes, that's it, we've arrived, we've been waiting for two hours. Here, on the application, there is nothing! This is the second gas station I go to. The first I queued for 45 minutes and they told me there is no more gas."

"It's for work. I was in reserve, I couldn't work. I'm a salesman so the car is important," he explains.

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Motorists are still smiling for now. The most expensive stations still offer certain fuels. Barbara understands the social movement. Nevertheless, for this mother, it should not last: "Frankly, I will be honest, I understand them, but it makes you angry anyway. It's horrible! I did not go to work this morning to put the diesel. I brought the kids to school so I couldn't."

A snail operation blocks this Tuesday the departure of the oil depot of Fos-sur-mer where the government has made the first requisitions of personnel. The police prefecture of Bouches-du-Rhône must confirm in the coming hours the requisition of several service stations for priority services, such as health personnel.