Warning to tourists over French fuel strikes

People travelling to France from across Northern Ireland and the Republic could run into difficulties, with protests in the country leading to fuel shortages.

An estimated 20% of petrol stations have either run dry or are low on supplies amid ongoing blockades of oil refineries and depots.

It is due to a dispute between the French government and the country’s largest union over reforms of employment law.

Tourists could find themselves caught out as fuel rationing has been imposed in some areas.

The UK Foreign Office has issued advice for those travelling to France, including details of a user-generated map to help motorists identify petrol stations where fuel is not available.

It comes amid ongoing warnings to be vigilant due to the increased security threat in the country.

Thousands of football fans from Northern Ireland and the Republic will be due to head to France in June to follow their football teams in the Euro 2016 tournament.

Read more about the situation in France, as protests turn into clashes with police, here.

Dozens of flights between the UK and Ireland and France are also subject to disruption as air traffic controllers join the strike action.