About 50 fishermen in the port of Fos-sur-Mer, France, protested against the increase in fuel prices and poor working conditions on Tuesday by blocking an oil depot. This protest lasted for seven hours and was then cleared by the police.
Temporary tensions during the protest
During this protest, brief tensions occurred between the fishermen and the police. The protesters held banners criticizing European policies and displayed slogans such as "Europe is killing us" and "The European Union is sinking our boats while Paris looks on."
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Statements from the French Minister of Energy
This protest took place while Mawd Berjeon, the Minister of Energy of France, had addressed the issue of rising fuel prices and fuel supply problems across France in an interview. In a conversation with France 2, he reassured the public, saying: "There is no danger of fuel shortages, and 90 percent of service stations are not facing supply issues. We are facing a specific problem at TotalEnergies stations."
Berjeon linked the price increases to the current situation in the Middle East, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, adding: "What we and the people of France are experiencing is directly related to what is happening in the Middle East: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of crude oil and 20 percent of gas passes." He also called for a return to normal conditions in the Strait of Hormuz and stated that the President of France is working towards this goal.
These protests and the statements from the Minister of Energy reflect public dissatisfaction with rising fuel costs and their impact on people's livelihoods and various economic sectors. The French government is seeking solutions to manage this crisis and ensure fuel supply for citizens.
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