Strikes continue to block LNG deliveries to France, which was the EU’s largest importer last year

Intensive strikes across the French energy sector are continuing, with the country unable to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) since the beginning of last week because of blockades at its terminals. This week, French unions announced that the strikes would be extended, with most of the country’s terminals set to remain blocked until next Tuesday. France was the EU’s largest LNG importer last year and is still in first place so far this year.

France has been facing widespread strikes since last Tuesday, blocking all LNG terminals in the country. The strikes by workers protesting a possible increase in the retirement age proposed by the government were initially planned to last several days, but have since been extended repeatedly.

At Dunkirk, the country’s largest LNG terminal, the operator has extended its force majeure declaration for now until this Friday. At the other three terminals, which account for roughly two-thirds of total import capacity, the strikes are currently scheduled to continue until next Tuesday. However, a further extension at Dunkirk cannot be ruled out.