(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) By John Keating
PARIS, May 23 (KUNA) -- A "mixed picture" is emerging in a major French refinery strike that worsened here over the weekend as protests continue against labour reforms, industry sources said.
The French Union of Petroleum Industries (UFIP) told KUNA that there were some improvements for deliveries but that strike action was spreading at the same time to the important refinery in the south of the country.
UFIP spokeswoman Catherine Enck indicated that five of France's main refineries were operated by Total and three of these reported problems before the weekend. But now, she said, a fourth refinery in the south appears to be affected by strike action.
The situation at two Exxon refineries was still unfolding.
There also appears to be "external" blocking action by some unions, which means the prevention of passage of tankers that do manage to load fuel. This could prompt intervention by police forces to ensure free passage of tankers.
The industry sources said that probably about 1,500 petrol stations are now "dry" and this is up from earlier estimates of 1,200. (end) jk.gta