RURAL drivers could be affected by the closure of 500 petrol stations around France within the next two years.

French petrol giant Total said it would axe about 10% of its 5,000 outlets - which includes sister brands Elan in rural areas and Elf Jaune.

The group will focus on busy areas such as motorways and industrial and commercial zones, and has warned that other petrol groups could follow suit to deal with rising costs.

Total said it needed to cut costs to be able to afford a series of renovation work required by the government under new environmental protection rules.

The rules set a minimum distance between the pump and the side of the nearest road, meaning some forecourts need to be redesigned.

A law limiting the sale of alcohol in petrol stations - and the possible introduction of a carbon tax this summer - have also been blamed for the cutbacks.

Photo:Kiril Havezov