France braced for nationwide transport strike action as the government and unions remained in deadlock over walkouts at oil depots that have sparked fuel shortages.
Leading unions have called for strikes in their biggest challenge yet to President Emmanuel Macron since he won a new presidential term in May.
The move comes after workers at several refineries and depots operated by energy giant TotalEnergies voted to extend their strike action, defying the government which has begun to force staff back on the job.
Motorists scrambled to fill tanks as the fuel strike, which has lasted for nearly three weeks, cripples supplies at just over 30 per cent of France’s service stations.
The government, increasingly impatient with the striking workers, said it was forcing key staff back to work.