French Strikes and Unsold Crude: Fuel Shortages Loom.

Nigeria is struggling to sell its oil as strikes in the French refining sector and seasonal maintenance at plants elsewhere in Europe cut into the OPEC producer’s sales. Between 20 and 25 shipments of Nigerian crude for April loading are still searching for buyers, according to four traders specializing in the West African market. France, one of Nigeria’s biggest buyers, has reduced its crude imports by half in March due to nationwide strikes over pension reforms. Other plants in Europe are also buying less crude because of seasonal maintenance.