France

Fishermen extend their port blockade

Article published on the 2008-05-27 Latest update 2008-05-27 13:19 TU

Fishermen continue to mount blockades at ports around France in spite of government offer of compensation for high fuel prices.
Photo: Reuters

Major French ports are paralysed on Tuesday after fishermen decided to extend their protest against European fishing quotas and the sharp rises in the cost of fuel. The strike is spreading to fishermen in other European countries, and in Britain, to truck drivers.

France's key Mediterranean oil depot in Marseille was blocked on Tuesday as well as the cross-Channel ferry service at Dunkirk in north-west France.

Fleets along France's Atlantic coast had earlier agreed to halt their action after the government promised compensation.

Spanish fleets have joined the stoppage. In Britain, truck drivers are also protesting against soaring fuel prices.

European policy analyst, Arno Behrens in Brussels, Belgium, told RFI that governments should resist the temptation to limit the price of fuel.

 Oil prices hit a record high on international markets at around 133 dollars (85 euros) today, up a third since the start of 2008, compared with 50 dollars (32 euros) a barrel 18 months ago.