The Hindu Business Line : Petrol supply being restored in Chennai

THE petrol supply situation in Chennai is fast returning to normal with oil companies stepping up supplies despite the truckers' strike, which is on its fourth day.

According to Indian Oil Corporation officials, the offtake from the company's terminal on the northern outskirts of the city was about 80 - 90 per cent of normal. The supply would be fully restored later tonight.

Under normal conditions over 250 tanker loads of fuel is lifted each day from the terminal, and the company has managed to fill nearly 200 lorry loads during the course of the day.

Supplies to the 160 retail outlets, which includes over 45 of IOC's outlets, have been stepped up and most petrol stations were able to commence sales during the course of the day, they said.

According to sources, the truck operators had stepped up the agitation at the terminal and additional police protection was provided to operate the tankers in convoys.

The increased focus on Chennai follows the situation yesterday when a number of petrol bunks ran dry when only about 30 - 40 per cent of the usual numbers of tankers could be filled up at the terminal. This resulted in traffic snarls when petrol bunks ran dry and vehicles lined up in long queues outside the petrol bunks. The truck operators have been on strike since April 14 protesting a number of issues including the hike in insurance premium, diesel prices, norms for issuing national permits and tolls.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
CCD decision on preference to SCI irks shipping sector

SCI takes delivery of Aframax tanker

Kolkata Dock System banks on rail link to boost box traffic

Strike continues as talks fail

Stocks may dry up today in Kerala

Auto-makers feel heat of truckers' stir — Many may be forced to suspend production

India Inc at the receiving end

Prolonged stir to hit core sector

Petrol supply being restored in Chennai