Oil strike partially resolved; fuel availability eases

09 January 2009

The strike by the oil officers, which had raised the spectre of shortages and fuel rationing in the last three days seems to be coming to an end, much to the relief of industries, consumers and the government. 

Officers from Bharat Petroleum and Oil India Ltd have conceded and resumed work, which is expected to ease supply shortfalls. Hindustan Petroleum officers had not joined the strike.

Fast moving Mumbai was badly affected with many BEST bus services being rationalised and a large number of taxis and rickshaws running out of CNG.

BPCL confirmed that the striking officers have started reporting for work. BPCL accounts for 25 per cent of the petro goods market in the country. 

The public sector oil marketing company today said that fuel supplies to affected pumps had already started.

The strike had entered its third day today. At least 70 per cent of the fuel pumps in the country had run dry and the number was expected to rise steadily.