PARIS, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The French farmers' blockades at oil refineries to oppose the government approval of Total's use of imported palm oil at a biofuel plant was "illegal," said Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert.
The minister called on angry protesters to join talks to find "adequate solutions."
"This blockade cannot be the solution," the minister told RTL radio, adding that "this blockade is illegal."
On Sunday evening, French farmers launched blockades of the country's 14 refineries to protest imports of low cost palm oil for manufacturing biofuel.
Travert noted that the government would not reconsider its decision to allow energy giant Total to import palm oil at a biofuel plant in La Mede, southeastern France where production was scheduled for this summer.
Asked about the risk of fuel shortages due to the movement, the minister said "there will be no shortage of fuel. Everyone should shows responsibility. Do not rush into oil stations, it is often that which creates the shortage."
He added that he would meet the labor unions on Tuesday to jointly "find alternatives together."
