Chennai: As commuters across major cities qued up at petrol stations all morning, petrol and diesel were in short supply. Most petrol pumps in Delhi and Mumbai went dry by afternoon on Thursday.
Things were not better in Bangalore and Chennai either. Flights were delayed in Mumbai and normal life in all cities were affected.
Petrol pump owners said they were already low on stock as they were anticipating a fuel price cut in the next few days.
President, Chennai petroleum dealer's association M Kannan said, “Not just in Chennai but the whole of India. About 50 per cent of the outlets are almost dry. The remaining outlets only have supply and hence there is extra crowd in those retail outlets. If the strike is not called off today or some compromise is not worked out, then by tomorrow it will be a standstill position.”
As many as 50,000 employess of 14 oil companies are on strike demanding higher pay.
The Government meanwhile has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in Delhi and arrested 2 striking employees. ESMA is also likely to be invoked in UP and Maharashtra.
IOC chairman Sarthak Behurai said, “Contingency plan does not ensure normalcy. It is to see that we manage safe operation with least convenience to the people. We are trying to get more retired people. Contingency plan cannot replace a normal plan.”
However, that's little consolation as talks between oil sector officers and company managements have failed so far. With the situation set to get worse in the coming days, you might want to tank up.
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