Fuel shortages abate as hints of compromise emerge in dispute

France's nationwide fuel shortages - the consequence of a bare-knuckle dispute over labor reforms which have pit militant unions against the government - are easing amid signs that both sides may be seeking a compromise.

Fuel shortages that have led to long lines at the pump are dissipating, the country's junior transport minister, Alain Vidalies, told journalists Saturday, although he warned that the crisis wasn't over and unions, including the leftist CGT, have promised even more dramatic action next week.

Some union-watchers say both sides have dropped hints that they're looking for a way out of the confrontation.