France's oil stocks are full, energy minister guarantees ahead of pension reform strikes

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – France's energy transition minister on Friday guaranteed that the country's oil stocks are full as oil sector unions plan strikes to protest the new pension reform, according to local media.

Agnes Pannier-Runacher told broadcaster Franceinfo that the government's doors are open for a dialogue, calling on unions for "responsibility" during protests, and guaranteed the consumers that the country's oil stocks are full.

"Our stocks are full, they have been replenished since the last movement in fall," the minister added.

The draft bill, which includes increasing the retirement age from 62 to 64 in 2030, immediately triggered a wave of outrage from workers and unions when the government announced its preparation last year.

Following the presentation of the details by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, the oil branch of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) on Wednesday announced industrial actions, including walkouts for Jan. 19, Jan. 26, and Feb. 6, with a possible extension and halt to refinery work, according to a statement by the union.

Besides CGT, the country's main labor unions issued a joint statement on Tuesday calling for a nationwide strike and demonstrations on Jan. 19, before the draft reform is presented to the Council of Ministers on Jan. 23.

Starting from 2027, the change will also require at least 43 years of work to be eligible for full pensions, Borne said in her statement.

She said the minimum pension would also rise by 85% of the minimum wage, meaning around €1,200 ($1,288) per month.