On Friday, French President Nicolas Sarkozy ordered riot police to reopen fuel depots blocked by workers protesting against pension reform.

The pipeline to Paris airports had been cut and all of France's oil refineries shut down by the continuing strikes, leading to concerns from oil companies about a fuel shortage.

France's petrol industry association has called for the government to release emergency fuel stocks to meet demand.

The oil refinery closures have led to some panic buying, and the demand for fuel has increased since the strikes started Tuesday.

What shortage?

Dominique Bussereau, France's transport secretary, agreed to allow refineries to tap their reserves, but insists there is no reason to panic about a shortage.

"We have what it takes for at least a month without any problems," he told French television station LTI, advising drivers not to stock up on fuel because they won't need it.

French workers are striking against proposed plans from Sarkozy's government to raise the minimum age of retirement from 60 to 62.

Unions are hoping to organize another nationwide strike next week, which would be the fifth in the past month.

Author: Matt Zuvela/Sarah Harman (AFP/Reuters)
Editor: Rob Turner