In an attempt to break the strike by French oil refinery workers that led to a shortage of petrol and diesel, The French government ordered some oil refinery workers to return to

their workplaces for the first time. But striking oil refinery workers voted in favor of continuing their protest move in defiance of the government seeking to resume pumping supplies. This caused the union move demanding wage increases to paralyse six of France's seven refineries, leading to a shortage of petrol and diesel, exacerbated by a lack of drivers to buy these items.

This comes as the country has been experiencing several strikes in refineries and fuel warehouses for weeks at the invitation of trade unions demanding an increase in wages.

More than 20% of French gas stations have been facing supply problems since early this week, after strikes disrupted operations at four of the country's major refineries, and workers who refuse to meet the recall will face a fine or prison sentence.

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy's Government had activated itself in 2010 in an effort to break a strike at refineries.

The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), which is leading the strikes, declared that any summons would be "unnecessary and unlawful", raising the prospect of legal challenges.

The union considered the summons an "option for violence", adding that it would prompt the union to suspend its "participation in meetings with the Government and business leaders during this period."

The Government has so far refrained from fuelling the conflict, but at the same time recognizes the growing resentment and economic damage caused by drivers waiting hours to refuel their vehicles

The crisis in France is on the back of a sharp rise in energy prices and inflation, while Total Energies' vast profits have led to rising anger and calls for an exceptional tax on the energy pool.

CGT wants to increase wages by 10% for Total Energies employees.

This crisis could add momentum to a march that left-wing political parties intend to organize Sunday in rejection of President Emmanuel Macron's policies and the high cost of living.

Green Party MP Sandrine Russo told France Info radio: "I hope this is the spark of a general strike."

Macron seeks to move forward with controversial pension reform by the end of winter despite warnings from some allies about the dangers of strikes and demonstrations

Trade unions and left-wing political parties have promised to seek to block the reform that will raise the retirement age from 62 now to 64 or 65 for the majority