Fuel concerns ripple across France

Striking oil refinery workers in France have blocked supplies from 11 of the country's 13 refineries, causing some panic buying of gasoline, The New York Times reported Thursday.

Bussereau, in a television interview, said, "We have what we need for at least a month without major problems."

However, he advised the public to trim unnecessary gasoline purchases.
France, already hit with a general strike that disrupted travel and closed more than 300 high schools on Wednesday, is struggling with a plan to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62 and to delay full retirement benefits from age 65 to 67.

General strikes continued Thursday, but fuel supplies, as winter approaches, have become a primary cause of concern. Due to the strike, energy giant Total said it would suspend its French refining operations.

Government officials, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy have said the strikes would not derail the pension reform initiative.

Quoted by French Secretary of State for the Family Nadine Morano after a cabinet meeting, Sarkozy reportedly said, "It was a duty to carry out this reform and follow it through to the end, because it is essential."

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