Chaos at Petrol pumps: Bangalore gasps

Chaos at Petrol pumps: Bangalore gasps


Express News Service
First Published : 09 Jan 2009 04:17:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 09 Jan 2009 10:35:47 AM IST

BANGALORE: The indefinite nationwide agitation by the employees of public sector oil companies demanding pay revision entered the second day on Thursday, adversely affecting the normal life in Bangalore.

The strike resulted in many of the fuel pumps and depots going dry by afternoon.

Officers of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BP) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) are among those on strike.

Petrol pumps running short of fuel and long queues at most petrol pumps were a common sight. Motorists resorted to panic buying, resulting in chaos. People with cans and bottles were seen at the pumps to fill petrol. WIth unmanageable crowds, pumps wouldn't entertain credit cards and refused to mix oil with petrol.

Though a few pumps had enough fuel, it was feared that panic buying would empty their stocks too.

About 230 of the 300 pumps in the city had gone dry. IOC general manager and statelevel coordinator for oil industry B Ashok told to The New Indian Express that consumers might face petrol, diesel and LPG shortage if the strike continues.

“Talks are on to resolve the deadlock. Since yesterday there is no fuel supply. The stocks will run dry in the next two days if the strike is not called-off,” he informed.

Ashok said that of the total consumption, IOC and BP supply about 70 to 75 per cent fuel every day to the state.

“Hindustan Petroleum (HP) is continuing to supply fuel,” he added.

Bangalore Petroleum Dealers Association President G Bhushan Narang said supply had stopped completely since Wednesday. “The situation is bad today as IOC and BP petrol pumps are running out of stocks,” he added.

All India LPG Distributors Federation (Karnataka) Secretary N Sathyan said filling activities at bottling plants were affected. “From this morning, supply has been completely stopped,” he said.

M G Rajagopal at an IOC outlet said his stock went dry in the morning and was usure when it will be replenished.