Demos continue against oil prices

Fishermens’ unions in four EU countries have called for indefinite strike action against rising fuel prices. Ferry services remain unaffected.

Port authorities in northern France warn they could be blocked again as fishermen vow to continue protests in a movement that is spreading across Europe.

Fishermens’ unions in four EU countries have called for indefinite strike action against rising fuel prices.

While the harbour master's office in Saint Malo said the port was blocked, a spokeswoman for Brittany Ferries, which operates services there, said all their channel sailings were operating on schedule.

A spokesman for Dieppe harbour said that there had been threats of blockages until midnight tomorrow but the port was currently open. Calais and Dunkirk are both operating normally according to officials.

Yesterday fishermen blocked a fuel depot at Marseille for several hours before police removed their makeshift barricades.

Agricultural workers also protested against the rising prices by slowing traffic around Caen and blocking a petrol station.

Ministers in charge of fishing in France and Spain have called on the EU to help.

Photo: Fishermen block ferries at Dieppe last week. Credit AFP Robert Francis