Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) said on Friday that a strike by workers over pay was forcing it to gradually shut down operations at its Fos refinery plant in southern France. “We have started preparations to gradually shut down the plant in the coming days. This situation may impact our customers, contractors, suppliers and employees in a challenging energy market environment,” Esso France, a unit of the U.S. major, said. The walkouts at Esso started on June 28. read more Workers, who had warned their action would lead to shutting down the refining units, are demanding wage hikes to cover inflation. Wage negotiations are scheduled for September but the CGT union wants management to also commit to a bonus. read more Based on current stocks, Esso France […]