Shell plc’s Pernis refinery in the Netherlands, the biggest refinery in Europe, has been shut down due to a malfunction, complicating an already tight fuel supply situation in the region.
The refinery malfunction comes as Europe’s fuel supply situation is getting tight. In October, Europe is expected to see roughly 1.5 million barrels per day of crude oil refining capacity go offline for maintenance, according to an estimate by global energy research firm Energy Aspects.
French Labor Strike
The labor strike in France by the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) is triggered by demands for higher wages by workers who are struggling amid high inflation. France’s annual rate of inflation in September was 5.6 percent, up from 2.9 percent in January.Strikes and unplanned maintenance have put over 60 percent of France’s refining capacity—amounting to 740,000 barrels per day—out of service. This has forced the country to import more oil products. The CGT union is demanding a 10 percent raise for its refinery workers.
The French strikes and refinery maintenance have pushed up diesel refining margins across Europe to all-time highs. Over 29 percent of gas stations across France reported supply issues on Oct. 13. Six out of seven refineries in the country have come to a standstill.