Petrol Station Workers to Strike During Spain's May Bank Holiday — What Drivers Need to Know

Strike Called for May Bank Holiday Weekend

Petrol station workers across Spain have announced strike action during the May bank holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Three unions — UGT, FICA and CCOO — have called the stoppage after pay negotiations for a new national service station agreement broke down.

The action will take place in two stages:

• Thursday, April 30: Partial stoppage from 12pm to 4pm
• Sunday, May 3: Full 24-hour strike

Why Workers Are Striking

The unions described the attitude of employers as "unacceptable", stating that during negotiations, companies not only withdrew earlier proposals but went further — putting forward "worse economic offers" than those already on the table.

Workers are seeking improved pay and better conditions, with unions pointing to rising living costs and the intense pressure the sector has faced amid fuel price volatility driven in part by Middle East conflicts. With petrol prices already high, service station staff say they are not seeing the benefits of increased revenues.

Which Journeys Will Be Affected

The timing is significant. May 1 — Labour Day — is a national public holiday in Spain, and with it falling on a Friday in 2026, millions of people are expected to make use of the extended weekend.

• Outbound journeys (April 30 – May 2) should see minimal disruption, as the April 30 stoppage is only four hours long and May 1–2 are outside strike action
• Return journeys (Sunday, May 3) face the most significant risk, as the full-day strike coincides with the main homeward rush

What Will Stay Open

Not all stations will be closed. The following are expected to maintain access:

• Automated petrol stations — unstaffed pump-only sites should operate normally
• Emergency services — ambulances, fire services and police are expected to maintain fuel access

However, the DGT (Spain's national road traffic authority) is likely to declare heavy traffic operation for the May bank holiday weekend regardless of the strike. Long queues on major routes out of and into cities are the norm at this time of year.

What Drivers Should Do Now

The advice from motoring and AA-equivalent organisations is straightforward:

• Fill your tank before April 30 — don't leave it until the day of travel
• If you're returning on May 3, either fill up before leaving your destination or plan an early stop on May 2
• Check for updates — strike action can be called off at any time if talks resume, so monitor the news in the days ahead
• Be prepared for queues at open stations, particularly at motorway service areas and automated pumps

Could the Strike Be Cancelled?

Strikes in Spain can be suspended if the parties return to the negotiating table and reach an agreement before the action begins. Both sides have time to broker a deal before April 30, and last-minute agreements are not uncommon in Spanish industrial relations. Watch this space.

This article is based on reporting from Spanish News Today, published April 21, 2026. Strike action is subject to change — check the latest news before travelling.