Shortage or no shortage?
The LR president of Hauts-de-France, Xavier Bertrand, called on the government on Wednesday to
“remedy”
the
“shortage”
of fuel, which in particular causes difficulties in school transport.
Government spokesman Olivier Véran replied that there was
"no shortage"
of fuel at service stations.
However, he acknowledged, there are
"tensions"
that are
"temporary"
in the supply of some of them.
Some 12% of stations in France are experiencing
“difficulties with at least one type of fuel”
at the pump, with variable situations depending on the region, Hauts-de-France being the most affected with around 30% of the stations, said Olivier Véran.
The State has "been led, here and there, when necessary, to have to dip into strategic stocks to supply stations
Olivier Veran.
These disturbances are explained by a strike movement for wages within TotalEnergies, but also, according to the group, by
"the fall in prices"
in its stations - a discount at the pump of 20 euro cents per liter - which resulted in
“a significant influx”
.
On Tuesday, the energy giant had promised
"to mobilize to resupply the network with additional logistical means"
.
“There is no lack of fuel because TotalEnergies has built up stocks and is currently importing regularly
,” he said.
The State has “
been brought here and there, when necessary, to have to draw on strategic stocks to supply stations”
, certified Olivier Véran.
He also called for avoiding
the "panic effect"
where when
"you are told you might run out of something, everyone rushes"
to stations.
“I assure you it is not necessary
,” he added.
