PARIS French truckers and farmers slowly began lifting their blockades on Saturday after appeals grew from their representatives to end tax protests that have choked fuel supplies across the country.
A growing number of protesters appeared to be heeding the call from their negotiators to lift barricades, although some militants were continuing to block traffic and fuel deliveries.
On Saturday morning, the French Interior Ministry reported that 25 blockades of refineries and depots had been lifted, but that 97 were being maintained.
"A clear retreat has begun," a ministry spokesman said.
French truckers group Unostra, which represents small haulage firms, reversed its hardline stance on Saturday and joined the larger National Road Hauliers Federation (FNTR) in calling for an end to blockades of oil refineries and depots.
Earlier in the day, French agricultural unions urged members to end their tax protest.
Both the main FNSEA union and the young farmers' group CNJA announced they had made enough progress in late-night talks with Agriculture Minister Jean Glavany to call off the six-day protest.
Signs of an end to the protests will come as a relief to Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, who risks damage to his reputation and presidential ambitions if he fails to control the unrest.
On Friday, Jospin cancelled a weekend trip and held a crisis session with his transport, agriculture, interior and budget ministers.
The protesters have been pressing the government for a 20 percent cut in diesel fuel taxes. Jospin insists he cannot concede more than 15 percent.