More European refineries, including some in France , are likely to shut down in the coming years, as refined-oil products consumption is falling in the region, Total SA (TOT, FP.FR) Chairman and Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie said Sunday.

Speaking in a televised interview, Mr. de Margerie declined to say which refineries in France the integrated oil major is considering closing, citing French law, which requires union representatives to be informed first of such plans. The comment underscores the difficult environment for refiners and integrated oil companies in Europe , where refinery margins have been subdued over the past several years on the back of the economic crisis and the focus on green energies, denting oil consumption.

Three years ago, Total transformed one of its six French refineries into an oil-stocking plant while it failed to find a suitable buyer for its U.K.-based Lindsey refinery. Last year, Switzerland-based Petroplus AG filed for bankruptcy, citing low refining margins in Europe .

Mr. de Margerie said he saw no reason for crude-oil prices to pick up by the summer.
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