French Strike Closes Down 1,500 Gas Stations

With oil workers playing a key part, France’s ongoing strikes against President Nicolas Sarkozy’s pension reforms are now threatening the country’s gas supplies.

The French have been at it for a week and it shows: with workers at the country’s 12 oil refineries on strike, over 10% of France’s gas stations have run dry. Workers are also blocking access to fuel distribution depots.

The cause of all the rumpus? Sarkozy’s plan to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62 and the full state pension age from 65 to 67. Yes, dear American readers, I can hear your groans. Also, it’s time to build those fuel cell Citroën SM’s.

Photo Credit: Alexandre Strohl Ekna