There were strikes and blockades of fuel depots in 2016, the cause was the government messing with the employment laws.

There was a tanker driver's strike in 2017 - fuel stations ran out etc.

Both of the previous two disputes were union backed.

The current "yellow jacket" protests are different - no union involvement- it's a citizen's protest.

The unpopular Macron government has committed to hefty increases in road fuel taxes, "to combat climate change". In reality - it's the usual car tax scam and the french citizen has realised that Macron is picking their pockets - consequently they block roads, stop and slow down traffic, blockade supermarkets to stop customers shopping and all sorts of other protests - including trying to blockade fuel distribution depots - which has been countered by the police CRS riot squads. Not much effect so far it seems.

There's a lot more background to this protest than this however, huge tax reductions for the rich, increases in tax for pensioners etc - Macron is seen as the "president of the rich"

I can't see it fizzling out - mainly because there is no organisation behind it to negotiate with or threaten - just the 75% of voters who realise now that Macron is a cuckoo in their nest!

I run both vehicles with full tanks as much as possible and keep 40 litres of diesel in reserve - just in case.

C'est la vie en la belle France!

Edit - I forgot to mention that if you are driving in France the magic talisman is to put one of your yellow safety hiviz on the top of the dashboard - you will be applauded by the protesters and probably get past the blockades!

Edited by focussed on 21/11/2018 at 23:52

I have a sneaky regard for the French, they don't sit back and write letters to disinterested MPs they go out and do something. Our lot were petrified when the revolution was on lest it came over here. I hope they are successful.